Programs Blog

Tuesday, 14 April, 2026.

Noon Position: (Lat and Long): 22 degrees 32.3’ N, 063 degrees 47.4’ W

Log (nm): 577.7 nm

Weather / Wind / Sail Plan (from 1300 Watch Change): Heavy cloud coverage with occasional showers, sailing and motoring depending on conditions northeast under the main, mainstay, and forestay sails.

Description of location: The Nares Abyssal Plain

Hello friends and family!

Today has been busy, starting for me at 0100 on dawn watch with B Watch. After some rain earlier in the evening, we were prepared in our foulies but experienced little drama in the early hours of the watch. Although a little eerie from the fog, we still enjoyed serene lookout and helm positions with little handling of the sails needed as well as an 0300 teatime with some hot beverages and introspective questions. This was until around 0530 when a squall line appeared off our starboard bow throwing in some chaos. We were able to find some light in the clouds by 0700 to go below deck and get some rest.

After lots of sleep, we then had the pin rail chase this afternoon! Days of intense study led up to this moment where all the watches could compete in their knowledge of the lines aboard our dear Cory Cramer. It was a fantastic competition with a shared first place between A and B watch, C watch falling behind due to multiple running allegations against Simon. (Editor’s note: C watch did in fact win the pin rail chase). I am below deck once again, writing this blog and hoping to nap before evening watch at 1900.

The switch between serenity and chaos is instantaneous aboard The Cramer. My morning example, of course, moving from an 0300 teatime during dawn watch discussing life fulfilling goals immediately to a sudden squall dumping rain, forcing us to abandon thoughts of life, focusing only on taking back control of the sails then followed by hot sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches waiting for us below deck. I’ve come to realize that adjusting to the intensity switch has taken the most effort. Not just the obvious rough seas is an intensity switch. Deploying our hydrocast is an intense 10 minutes followed by 25 minutes of hanging out and chatting, then another more focused period. I sleep as much and as often as I can, waking suddenly to eat or stand watch. I have been getting better at moving between paces, but I will never get used to mealtimes being so relatively short.

To all at home, I miss you! As cool as boat life is, I can’t wait for icy water, summer plans, and somehow April New England weather. I’m going to take a short nap, maybe do some light water coloring, and be back on deck soon.

Liam Morrison, B Watch

Lyra, Kate, and myself giving a deck report on cumulonimbus clouds and why we’re all wet

The science team – Sarah, Quinn, Lyra, Ali, and I – successfully retrieving the hydrocast