Programs Blog

Monday, 04 August 2025

Noon Position: (Lat and Long): 41 deg 36.3’N  x  070 deg 41.8’W

Ship Heading (degrees): 059 deg

Ship Speed (knots): 3.5

Log (nm): 72.63

Weather / Wind / Sail Plan: Hazy, light breeze, glassy water, sailing through the Cape Cod Bay with the four lowers (Mains’l, Main stays’l, fore tays’l and Jib). 

Description of Location: East of Stellwagon Bank

After days of vigourous training, we set off from Dyer’s Dock!! Our six hour watch schedules began at 0700, when A watch pushed us off and navigated the Cramer through the Wood’s Hole traffic and the Cape Cod Canal. We weren’t the only ones excited to be under way; people on both land and sea were taking videos and waving at us as we cruised by. Navigation through the Canal was difficult but successful; the 7 mile Canal was a high traffic area with forming eddies toward the shore.

After saying goodbye to land and hello to Cape Cod Bay, all hands mustered on the quarterdeck to assist with setting the Mains’l and the Jib. We slowed to 2 knots with a quiet engine for our very first deployment – the Neuston Net!! 

I’ve already learned SO much about how the ship works; taking care of the sails, identifying zooplankton as well as marine birds, lab etiquette, points of sail, boat checks, ect. So far I’ve seen some breathtaking sunsets and even some bioluminescence! As we sail through Stellwagen Bank, I am very excited to look out for humpback whales and other cetaceans.

Mom and Dad, if you’re reading, I miss you so much! I constantly wish you were adventuring with me on the Cramer, it is incredible!! Give Phoebe a gigantic kiss for me and please please please remember to keep my Duolingo streak strong! Despite missing everyone back home, I am far from lonely here! Safe to say I have been meeting some of the coolest, most interesting people ever!! The abundance of knowledge about sailing and oceanography remain probably my favorite thing about the vessel. It is also super fun! I’ve been playing lots of card games with my shipmates, and I especially love reading on deck above the labs where there is a nice breeze! I cannot wait to see what other amazing experiences await me aboard the Corwith Cramer!!

Melina Petropulos, Watch C

P.S: Andrew, give Ruby a hug from me! Miss you guys loads 🙂 – Caroline