“Entry into the Caribbean Sea”: 2023 Crew Training Voyage Day 10

Southwest of Puerto Rico

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Log written by Sam Johnson (Incoming 2023 AmeriCorps Deckhand Educator)

On what we expect to be our last full day of transit to St. Croix, we were greeted by a spectacular view of Puerto Rico’s coasts, hills, and towns as we passed between it and Isla de Mona. Sailing then along the island’s southern shore, we were shielded from what looked to be terrific thunderclouds to the north and what we later heard to be pretty dodgy conditions elsewhere. 

Today has also marked our official entry into the Caribbean Sea! Some seabirds wheeling and diving above a distant feeding frenzy were our only fanfare. The watches passed the day in the usual routine, with additional lessons and sail training for the new cohort of deckhands. 

During one such occasion, the planning of future lessons on simple machines was interrupted by the urgent footsteps of Ben, our intrepid engineer-turned-angler. Brandishing a beautiful and very much alive but recalcitrant Spanish Mackerel, he demanded we name the fish before heaving it back into its home. In the chorus of suggestions which ensued I loudly put forth the name “Keith” but was even more loudly overruled before the fish was freed. Oh well, you can’t win ‘em all. 

The remainder of the afternoon was spent in sail handling practice under the tropical sun, briefly punctuated by the exciting catch and release of a barracuda. 

Before an excellent chicken dinner, evening muster featured an almanac compiled by the Denis Sullivan’s mates, in which were tributes both hilarious and heartfelt towards the departing deckhands. Those of us who have just begun our journey are very grateful for the welcome guidance and sense of community they have provided with their example!