John F Kennedy, Jr. (second from left), son of President John F. Kennedy, managed to avoid the press for almost all of his 26-day Outward Bound sailing course in 1977. This photo was taken on the day his pulling boat was coming back into Rockland.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis sent the letter below after her son’s expedition.
August 6, 1977
Dear Mr. Miner,
John returned yesterday from Hurricane Island. The whole course meant the most enormous amount to him. He hadn’t wanted to go – but is so pleased he did. He showed me the diary he kept on his 3 days alone. I understand now the pride and self reliance that Outward Bound can give to a boy.
I can’t tell you how grateful I am to you for suggesting it – your wisdom in seeing how marvelous it would be for John.
Thank you so very much. I do hope you are having a wonderful summer and that I shall see you in the fall.