Transit: Just A Few Days Left!
Atlantic Ocean
11/15/24
Written by incoming deckhand educator, Madi:
Alas, I’m not entirely sure, just taking a glance at the whiteboard what current day it is, but it means nothing out here. We’re just taking it one watch at a time. 12 hour, 6 hour, 6 hour days on repeat. But, boy is it all I had hoped for and more. Going into my astronomy side, *shoutout to all my astro peeps*, I’ve been learning a lot about celestial now! Taking local apparent noon and using Aldebaran, Arcturus, etc. to determine our latitude and longitude. I’m truly to piece this of my life/background into play and it gives me all the more joy to be doing so.
Today, there was a pod of dolphins on our starboard bow, frolicking to and frow while we were sailing about 6 knots. We also fired some expired flares into the air, which was cool. And so, now as the winds have shifted to west/southwest about sixteen knots, we are sailing with our four lowers set. Seated out to a beam reach, we’re sailing almost at ten knots. From the lavender yellow sunrises, to the crepuscular rays emanating on the deep jelly blue sea, to the aloft rig checks in 12 ft seas, to being with crew, new and old, I feel that I may have found a place I’ve been praying for.
11/16/24
Written by deckhand educator, Jacky:
Three frigate birds heralded our departure and their good omen has held true thus far. We’ve made good easting under fair weather with gleeful shouts of “Happy post meridian!” and “Standby Zega!” rising from the quarter-deck. The night, it gusted 30 and we took in all sail before the squall. We saw another two frigates as if to top off on our luck. Yesterday was refreshing bucket showers, relaxing in the sun, and setting off expired flares. Today was being called standby three times, the fastes raffee furl this side of Panama, and hardy beef stew for weary sailors. Tomorrow, who knows? But I’m sure it will be lovely. And we’ve a watch below and a long sleep before we need it.
11/17/24
Written by incoming deckhand educator, Jeremy:
It is neverending, day after day, watch after watch. Only interspersed with adjusting sails and lines I barely know. I bounce from being happy and excited about this adventure and wanting to go home. As far today, there were many first times. Some amazing, such as setting all the sails at once. The ship looked incredible. Others, not as fun, such as hoisting the small boat on board while swells were rolling us back and forth. There were several rope burns from handling the lines on the small boat and a twisted ankle, but many photos taken made it worth it. Putting the sails away was almost as interesting. Even without me knowing how, I somehow furled the sails without too many issues.
We still have several days left our voyage, and who knows I will feel by then, but for now I need to get back to my watch and what is next.
