Programs Blog

A Day with Many Firsts!

July 06, 2022

Reyna Persaud/Starboard and C Watch, Appleby College, Ontario, Canada

Ship’s Log

Noon Position
41 degrees 36.9N Long 070 degrees 42.2W

Ship Heading / Speed
We are currently anchored off the coast of Provincetown.

Taffrail Log
31.30

Weather / Wind / Sail Plan
It has been sunny and relatively warm all day with a few clouds.

The day truly started at 0000 for many of the students as we all did our very first night shifts. We were woken up by the last shift to stand watch for one and a half hours, where we conducted full boat checks, then woke up the next shift before going back to sleep. At 0600 hours everyone came together for breakfast, many still half asleep but enjoying breakfast and Ready for our first day at sea!

After breakfast we split into two groups: the Starboard watch and the Port watch. Anyone whose bunk is located on the Starboard side of the boat took first watch, helping around the boat while anyone whose bunk is on the Port side took the time to relax. The Starboard watch helped to pull in and coil the dock lines so we could set sail. At 0830, we were off! Students from the Starboard watch conducted boat checks, stood watch at the bow, and some students Even got to take the Helm and steer the ship! Everyone also enjoyed some cookies made by the amazing stewards.

After lunch, the Port Watch took over as the watch team. At 1330, everyone attended an hour-long class where we learned to deploy a Neuston net and how to set a sail. After class, Port Watch continued boat checks and stood on watch, as well as learned how to put in the anchor, put up the anchor buoy, and take down the sail, while Starboard watch got what they were all Yearning for all day: some time to rest and relax.

We ended the day with dinner and some emergency procedure training. We all learned where to find emergency equipment, and what our roles would be in case of a fire, flooding, man overboard and abandon ship. It is also worth pointing out; this was our first full day Not having our cellphones! Now, we All have some time to rest and prepare for our nighttime shifts!