Ashley Hall Live Aboard Program Day 9, 10
Off the coast of Savannah, GA
Ship’s Log written by C Watch, A Watch, and Deckhand Educators Jess Doherty and Hanna Hallendorff
March 29, 2024
Hi! Today has been a great day and the wind has started to pick up. I'm starting to enjoy the rocking of the ship. We've started Junior Watch Officers (JWOs) today - it was actually really fun. I was our first one. We are currently sailing up Florida and will be in Charleston in a few days!
Audrey, C Watch
Hi! Today has been a very eventful day and this is our third watch of the day. We reached Miami today and the wind got really strong the closer we got. We also got up to 10 knots while sailing which is about as fast as the boat can go. Right now we are sailing right into the wind, which makes the helm very challenging but we are all working really hard. We've started JWOs today, I think it's really fun even though I haven't gotten to do it yet. Everyone has gotten the hang of all the tasks and chores so it's starting to get a lot easier and more fun. I can't wait to get home and see y'all. I love and miss you lots!
Emma-Kate, C Watch
Hello from Miami! We hit Florida around noon the 28th of March, and are only a few days away from Charleston. I'm really enjoying my time on the Denis Sullivan, and my sickness has finally settled. Mom and Dad, if you see this please pick up yogurt and coke from the store for when I get home. It's all I've been craving for days. Anyways, peace out girl scout.
Maddie, C Watch
Hey! Today has been an eventful one. We have worked 3 four hour shifts today, saw our first glimpse of the US (Miami) and prepared for the front headed our way. Today I got to go on the headrig for the first time, which was super cool. Also, we saw a pod of bridled dolphins that were literally right next to the boat. There must have been at least 10 of them! Super excited to see what the rest of the trip holds, and we'll see y'all soon.
Caroline, C Watch
March 30, 2024
Hey ya'll!! So far I have been having a blast aboard Denis SUllivan, other than last night though, that was a tough one. We hit a storm and I have never seen waves that big in my life. Many hours of sleep later, however, I am refreshed and better than ever. We are now back on course after taking a quick little detour around Grand Bahama, and I watched the most beautiful sunset. I was JWO for my watch today, and I think I'm improving my navigation skills. Right now I am writing this on our 8pm-12am watch, eating the most scrumptious banana bread muffin, baked by the one and only A Watch and missing y'all!! Love,
Elizabeth, A Watch
P.S. Mom and Dad, if you see this, please save me some easter candy, specifically cadbury eggs.
Hey guys! I've been having a great time. Last night we hit a front and had to go back to the Bahamas and the waves got to about 11 feet. I didn't yack though, thankfully. The other day, B Watch caught a fish and I ate some of its heart and our watch officer, Mr. Terry, let me filet it with his guidance. I think we might be back in the gulf stream soon, so I'll see y'all in a few days. Bye!
Kennedy, A Watch
Hi guys! The voyage has been going great so far. I went through a storm that had 11 foot waves, the biggest I had ever seen. Earlier today we had the midday watch, where I went out on the headrig with Hanna to furl jib sails. It's always so fun to go out on the headrig. After watch I was in the galley helping make banana chocolate chip muffins that turned out so good. I'm currently on the 8 pm-12am watch, and everything is going great. We're headed back to the Gulf stream which we should start picking up soon. Love,
Clara, A Watch
Hi! Today we have our 8-12 watch, which feels like a breeze compared to last night's 12-4am watch. It was definitely a rough one, but we got through it. We are now back on track after a detour in the Bahamas, and it feels good to be out of the storm. During lookout, I kept being harassed by the spray of the waves. Good thing I have my bib. Love and miss y'all, xo
Garnet, A Watch
Hey! I’ve been having so much fun on our boat. In the past two days, I have read a bunch on deck, made two friendship bracelets,and helped make banana chocolate chip muffins. Tonight during our 8pm-12am shift, I am the JWO and help organize the people on watch. Last night's watch was a bit rough, with 11 foot waves that revived my seasickness. But after that one storm, the waves were very calm. We passed by Miami yesterday, and the last of the Bahamian islands today and will hopefully speed up once we hit the gulf stream. Can’t wait to see y'all soon. Happy birthday Madre (I can’t wait to celebrate when I get home)! Love,
Sadie, A Watch
P.S. We saw a ton of dolphins!
Last night the quarterdeck was littered with bodies. The front that rolled through and the waves that came with it slowly took a watch out until only 2 were left standing. Sea sickness has come out swinging against A watch this trip, but they are resilient. It’s been amazing to see them struggle through puking during watch, and the next day be giggling together. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know each of them as the program goes on. I’ve spent a lot of time in the galley this trip, helping make dinner and making midrats. It’s nice to have something to do during our off hours. Today, the A watch students are going to make banana chocolate chip muffins. They brought so much joy to this space as we listened to Taylor Swift and made a yummy treat for the rest of the crew. Tonight, on our 8pm-12pm watch we told scary stories to scare off the seasickness. It seems that the only thing we scared was ourselves lol. Hopefully we all feel better tomorrow. We have some talented storytellers on a watch, which is crucial to help pass the time during the night. Yesterday we saw the mainland for the first time, which was very exciting. We’re feeling grateful for this transit and excited for the next few weeks. All the love,
Jess, A Watch, Deckhand
We are now in our last few days of the trip. The Miami skyline yesterday was a sign that the end is near. This trip has been a lot of fun, and I am having a good time getting to know my watch and most of the sailing has thankfully been calm! Last night’s watch, 12-4am, was filled with a lot of seasickness from me and the students, but as promised, the swell calmed down in time for our daytime 12-4pm watch, and the scone at tea time really hit the spot. After days of boiling heat, the chilly breeze is welcomed greatly, and with a mug of hot chocolate in one hand I am feeling especially thankful. For the last hour of the day watch, I stepped aside to help prepare a nice dinner of Swedish meatballs. I was a bit nervous about the timing of it all, but thankfully with some help we managed to roll about 160 meatballs, make mashed potatoes, pickled cucumbers, and a pot of gravy just in time. My heart is content and my belly is full. I am excited to get to Charleston and explore the places that students have been talking about. Much love,
Hannah, A Watch, Deckhand
