Advanced Summer Ambassador Program: Day 3
Hurricane Island, ME
Ship’s Log written by Noel, Vicky, Fritz, Jo, Talia, and Leo
August 17, 2024
Noel - This evening we arrived at Hurricane Island, Maine. We've spent the last day cycling through watch rotations, with B watch, my group, taking the Midnight to 4am shift. I found it super fun despite the fact you couldn't see anything. Operating under red light is different. Meal time is always a good bonding point, food unites people per the usual. Today I hooked into a harness and went out on the bowsprit to pull our jib sails in and tie them down. That was definitely an interesting experience, balancing on a cable bringing sails in, obviously we had gear on but you get the point. I'm excited for our land adventures, I miss not having to risk falling over from a good wave, though I am getting better. I've really enjoyed learning so much, even so quickly. I can't pinpoint one specific thing but figuring stuff out is a ton of fun and being trusted with tasks is nice. I've been surprised with how much sleep I can get, everyone else seems to feel the same, you can sleep and sleep between your watches so easily, it's not a bad thing, just odd. That is just about everything that I can think of, I'm excited for the rest of the trip though I definitely miss my bed. p.s. The cake the other night was phenomenal.
Vicky - Heyy again it's me Vicky and something that surprised me is night watch it was my favorite because of the awesome night sailing. Got to see fog and stars later in the night. The boat check is the best btw. Forward watch sucks, I was going crazy talking to myself and punching the air, but once I was relieved all was well in the world. I learned a new knot. I forgot the name but it's a butterfly something. I can't wait to go swimming, I'm like dying to do that. But other then that, I love the people I'm on watch with, they are cool and the crew is the absolute best, but goodbye for now and for those at home a warm hot chocolate hug from me.<3
Fritz - Hello, The past day has been pretty fun although we've been working really hard keeping the boat moving. I've bonded pretty well with my watchmates and learned quite a bit. We were taught how to triangulate our location based on bearings around us. Bearings can be considered something like landmarks, lights from land, and what should be your last resort, a buoy. We went to Matinicus Rock where we saw some beautiful Puffin birds. I've only seen them online so seeing them in person amongst the beautiful view of the island was amazing. I wish I had a camera with a large enough zoom lens to take pics of the birds but hopefully one day I can come back and take some pics. The trip so far has been especially enjoyable, minus the cold. I am having a really good time on board and learning quite a lot. P.S. I have 3 layers of clothing on and I'm still a bit cold.
Jo - Greetings from Hurricane Island. This morning while the rest of B watch was asleep I chilled out on deck. It was very relaxing after our four hour shift last night. In the afternoon we had another shift from Noon to 4pm. I got to take the helm, do a boat check and be forward lookout. It was a thrilling experience and was a good way to pass the time. So far I have learned many things but above all, time tends to move slowly without the use of electronics (TV, phones, etc.).
C Watch
Talia - Hi everyone! I'm doing well and learning a lot. I'm having tons of fun with my watch group and all the kids on board. Yesterday we got to go on the headrig and I went all the way to the end! It was super fun. Right now we are anchored so we're on anchor watch which is only 1 hour rather than the normal 4 while on active watch sailing. Tomorrow we are going to go on land to Hurricane Island to learn some stuff. We're also going to take a hike. I'm not very seasick but I do in fact have to wear shoes. But it's okay because sometimes you can take them off. I hope you all are doing well.
Leo - Lets dive right into the deep end, shall we? It's 0220 on board the Sullivan along the coast of Maine. Wind: non-existent. Temperature: far too chilly (the pedestrian and imprecise terms suit me well, as numbers tend to get lost within my brain on their way to my pen). We are finally at anchor after a 105 nautical mile journey north, sailing and or motoring night and day. When I say "deep end" I strive to illustrate an atmosphere of surrender and timelessness; I sleep and wake at all hours, committing to the tasks before me, with a constant confusion as to the hour. SUnrise and sunset are indistinguishable without Milwaukee's skyline providing contrast.
I'd like you, following along at home, to be here to see the rocky islands bristling with pines. The puffin fledglings bobbing in the water. The visible stars.
