Sixth Grade Mini-Boat "Sea Ya" Launches into the Gulf Stream

Earlier this month, Morristown Beard School’s sixth grade mini-boat, Sea Ya, officially began its journey after being launched into the Gulf Stream off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

For the second year in a row, Captain Greg Mayer of Fishin' Frenzy launched the vessel. Mayer, who is featured on the long-running National Geographic series Wicked Tuna, helped send Sea Ya into the powerful ocean current that will carry it across open waters.

More than just a launch, Sea Ya is a hands-on learning experience that connects students directly to science, technology, and global exploration. Throughout the voyage, sixth graders are tracking the boat using their iPads and monitoring real-time data transmitted from onboard sensors. This includes air and water temperature, boat orientation, and images captured by the mini-boat’s camera, giving students a unique window into conditions at sea.

Inside the boat’s cargo hold is a carefully curated collection of items that reflect both the students and their community. Among the contents are letters written by each student, a class journal, sand and shells collected from the Jersey Shore, and a complete set of state quarters. The students also included a baseball, Morristown Beard School gear such as a pendant, stickers, lanyard, and pencils, as well as salt water taffy from the boardwalk.

One of the most meaningful items onboard is an MBS t-shirt signed by every sixth grader, along with a map of New Jersey highlighting the towns represented by the class, serving as a snapshot of the community sending Sea Ya out into the world.

As Sea Ya travels with the Gulf Stream, students will continue to follow its progress, analyze incoming data, and engage in real-world scientific inquiry. The project builds excitement around oceanography and environmental science while fostering a sense of connection, curiosity, and global awareness.

From the Jersey Shore to the open ocean, Sea Ya is more than a mini-boat. It is a floating classroom carrying the voices and spirit of MBS students across the sea.

Please click here to follow the journey.