Charleston, SC - Cape Canaveral, FL

11/2/24 20:58

Log Entry by 2025 AmeriCorps Deckhand Educator Eliza Noxon

And we’re OFF! The Denis Sullivan set out this morning for a less-lengthy-than-anticipated transit south. The original plan, as I understand it, was to make East from Charleston, before cutting south to Saint Croix. But, of course, this is sailing, and we are at the whims of the tide. Or, in this case, we didn’t want to hit a hurricane, so we’re stopping off in Cape Canaveral to refuel and reassess.

But, despite the change of plans, the day has been mostly smooth sailing (with the exception of some seasickness amongst the crew… OK, maybe it was just me who got sick, but who’s counting). There’s 18 of us aboard, so it’s a little crowded, but spirits have been high. The outgoing crew, despite coming off of many months straight of high-intensity boat life, have been incredibly patient and generous teachers. I feel deeply grateful to be here and to be learning from a crew with so much skill, kindness, and heart. And they said sailors were supposed to be mean!

Let’s hope the weather stays fair, and that we’re able to make it to St. Croix in time for the start of our season. Thank you, Denny, for being such a wonderful, floating home!

11/3/24 21:41

Log Entry by 2025 AmeriCorps Dekchand Educator Jojo Heckman

So far it looks like we’re making good time and everything is going according to the revised plan. It has been rolling enough that some crew has been feeling sick, but so far I’ve avoided the worst of it. *Knock on wood.* It makes it easier since the food has been great. The days are pretty packed with watches and oncoming crew also have lessons to help take over the boat twice a day. I spend any time not learning or on watch asleep.

So far everything is great, and I’m having fun. Crew spirits are still pretty high for our shorter transit.