Programs Blog

Saturday, 18 April, 2026.

Noon Position: (Lat and Long): 25 degrees 47.872’ N, 063 degrees 21.396’ W

Log (nm): 957.3 nm

Pushups per nautical mile done: 925

Weather / Wind / Sail Plan (from 1300 Watch Change): Starboard close haul under the four lowers and a shallow reefed mains’l, wind coming from the east, multiple squalls in vicinity

Description of location: Somewhere in the Sargasso Sea

Hello all!

Almost two weeks into our voyage, I am slowly but surely becoming a sailor (at least I think so) and would like to share some of my favorite things from life at sea so far.

To start, the ocean itself! She is beautiful and vast and when there are hardly any clouds in the sky the sea reflects this wonderful shade of blue that is almost purple. I have never seen anything quite like Sargasso blue. The first time I stood lookout on the bow, it was almost overwhelming, the shimmering blue all around me. It is a bit indescribable, and I am grateful to have this opportunity to take it all in. It also makes a really great morning coffee spot, of which I try to take advantage of when I am not waking up at 0100 for dawn watch.

But even dawn watch has its joys: the quiet boat, numerous constellations and a front row seat to the sunrise. Yesterday I stood watch in the lab where I helped process a Neuston net tow by identifying and counting zooplankton and other ocean things. Yes, it was 0300 and I was running on trial mix midrats (our nightly midnight snack), but I was still enthralled to identify new zooplankton under the microscope. Science at sea is a little uncomfortable sometimes, but honestly, I am learning lots and having fun doing it.

On that note, one of my favorite times of day is 1435 when we gather for class (I am getting college credit for this after all). The quarterdeck becomes our classroom, and the whole crew comes together to share announcements, give reports, and then have a lesson on sailing or oceanography. Of course each report is introduced with a song, and our professor also doubles as our captain (would not have it any other way). A few classes ago, we had our highly anticipated pin rail chase. I’ve never been as hyped as when Capt. Alison jumped down from the helm to announce the start of the event, pure excitement. Despite B watch coming up just short on the pin rail chase, we did all learn our lines, so maybe by improving our sailing knowledge we actually won. It is about the journey, I think (at least that is what people have been saying around here).

Now that I know my lines, I actually really enjoy sail handling. I’m always ready to sheet something in or ease something else (sailor terms) and the other day found myself on the bowsprit laying on to strike the jib (more sailor terms). It was a particularly gusty afternoon, and we had just finished tying everything off when the Cramer hit a massive swell and lightly dunked us into the Sargasso. My watch mates and I held on tight to the bow rigging, and you could probably hear me laughing from the stern.

Because of moments like that, I am grateful for the great crew whose tips and lessons have helped me adjust to life on board. Everyone is incredibly enthusiastic about science at sea and seemingly more important, shares my values of gabbing and giggling (not sailing terms). I even got to spend a day in the galley with our fantastic stewards who really are the heartbeat of the Cramer. Still thinking about the eggplant parm we made, so good and impressive considering the kitchen likes to shift around every couple minutes.

Life at sea is everything I had thought it would be and I am excited to see what the next month holds. The only thing I dislike is how much I miss all you land people. To my family, friends, and especially Martlets Rugby, I miss you all dearly and hope everything is going well. Looking forward to checking back in soon.

Lastly, I did not forget it is April 18^th! Happiest Birthday Mom, miss you most of all, you would really love it out here and I cannot wait to tell you all about it. Also, I did not get seasick and yes, all my clothes fit in my bunk even though it is a bit crammed but it is cozy, and I am wearing lots of sunscreen. See you so soon–

Fair winds and of course following seas,

Kate Murphy, B Watch

Me doing science at sea! (Photo by Sarah Kingston)

The lovely Corwith Cramer and the Great Blue Sargasso Sea. (Photo by Sarah Kingston)