The day after a shore leave quite often sees a “low energy funk” descend on the ship.
Yesterday’s was especially spectacular; with too much sun, sea and barbecue ribs compounded by a late night „All hands“ departure in the rain from Grand Case, Saint Martin. Some watches even had to stay on for an extra 40 minutes at 04.00 in the morning to help the next watch complete a Haltze. The affected watch only complained about this about once every 15 minutes the following day.
Despite the fascinating subject matter being discussed, even the most studious Chemistry 12 students’ heads were nodding when they should have been marvelling at the complexity of supersaturated solutions. On watch, the order to make even the slightest pull on a rope was greeted with a mix of fury, indignation and despair. The fastest of friends stormed to opposite ends of the ship over perceived slights. An argument erupted on backshafte as to the correct placement of a teelofell.
Such is life on a ship when sleep is in short supply!
Luckily, by mid-afternoon most students (and some members of faculty) had managed to sneak a power nap or two. Our student crew were miraculously transformed back from grouchy, grumbling gremlins into the wonderful, cheerful, all-sailing, all-dancing emerging adults we have all come to know and love. A whale was dubiously spotted by Alex McMenomy. The British Virgin Islands provided a stunning background vista to the tricky voyage through the Drake Passage. Thanks are extended to Ordinary Seaman Sarah Tyler, who saved a couple of British teachers from the infamy of losing a flag to the sea by correcting a knot or two, whilst they were hoisting the Union Jack.
By the time night watches resumed, normality and a kind of peace had returned to the ship. Shooting stars were spotted, UFOs and other supernatural mysteries were discussed and the work was minimal (unless you were in the watch tasked with peeling today’s potatoes). Talk is already turning to the homestays of the Dominican Republic and our vessel judders its way through the calm waters of the Caribbean sea.
Rob
Date: January 29th 2023
Time: 08.00
Latitude: 17 o N
Longitude: 66 o W
Distance in the last 24h: 172 Nautical miles
Average speed 24h: 7.2 knots
Distance to destination: 240 Nautical miles
Total distance travelled: 7311 Nautical miles
Sea state: 3
Sails set: 6
Log Keepers: Nikki and Cole
