KENNEBUNK — He can picture it with clarity: A small crew of about six people, clustered on the deck of a 22-foot sloop, slowly trailing a wake in the waters of the Hudson River. Behind them, a scenic trek around Long Island Sound. Before them, the skyline of New York, grand and imposing, the end goal of weeks of preparation and hard work.

It may not go exactly that way ”“ on the seas, anything can happen ”“ but teacher Steve Schaefer and his students at the New School will sweat to make it happen, and hopefully sneak in a little science along the way.

It’s an unconventional way to end a school year. But that’s the idea.

The trek will be one of a handful of “intensives” embarked upon by students to bring the semester to an end with a crescendo. A twice-a-year staple at the New School, the goal of each intensive is to bring students out of the classroom and into the real world, combining education with hands-on, practical experience.

Some will be going to a ranch in Kansas to learn the nuances of organic farming. In the past, students have traveled to Mexico, Guatemala and Puerto Rico to perform community service.

Schaefer, no stranger to the ocean, thought a nautical voyage would be a unique opportunity to engage his students in a traveling science lab, and gain seafaring experience that may one day come in handy in this portside community.

“I’ve been sailing all my life,” said Schaefer. “I thought it’d be cool. I want these guys, by the end of the trip, to know about boat maintenance, building, navigation … a whole bunch of practical skills.”

The idea was first broached earlier this year at a monthly Monday meeting, held at the school and attended by teachers, staff, students and their parents. The concept was approved unanimously.

Of course, once the green light was given, there was one important matter to consider: Finding a serviceable boat.

Using his sailing connections, Schaefer located a vessel in Owl’s Head, a fixer-upper that cost about $2,000. An additional $1,000 is needed to make it safe, encompassing repairs and necessary gear, such as life jackets. A succession of fundraisers, including bottle drives and auctions, will fund the boat and trip both; the students estimate they’re about halfway to their fundraising goal.

Nerves tingle with nervousness and excitement as the May trip draws near.

“None of us have actually sailed before,” said student Xander Davenport. “It’s going to be hard being that close to everybody, I think.”

With six people sharing quarters on a 22-foot boat, space with be scant, privacy virtually nonexistent. But there’ll be plenty of activity to keep their minds engaged. Students will fish and dissect animals on the boat, use a microscope attached to a laptop to study the world of the infinitesimal, and ”“ weather permitting, naturally ”“ go snorkeling in the waters they travel, encountering the varied biology of marine life.

A pseudo-itinerary guiding their way, the group will sail between five to 10 hours a day, dock at marinas and perhaps engage in some community service activities at various stops along the way.

While safe passage to New York will be largely dependent on Mother Nature, student Micah Maddox-Gilbert is keeping it in his crosshairs.

“I was in New York once for like three days, and it blew my mind,” he said. “So I can’t even imagine what this will do. There’ll be some life experiences, for sure.”

John Sherman hopes to overcome a natural trepidation he feels being out on the ocean.

“The challenge I see is getting in the boat and being okay with it,” he said. “(But) it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Ultimately, Schaefer hopes that the school will be able to find a permanent mooring for the boat; and with students’ sailing skills honed, the idea is that they may be able to take their families out on the water, taking advantage of a region rich in seafaring traditions.

“I like the idea of being able to take people out on my own,” said Davenport. “I’d love to take my family out. There’ll be some really awesome memories.”

— Staff Writer Jeff Lagasse can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 319 or [email protected].