Programs Blog

Sonia Bradley, A Watch

Ship’s Log

Noon Position
42 degrees 37.98 N 068 degrees 22.59W

Ship Heading
We are in the gulf of Maine, headed north

Taffrail Log
290.1

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

Fauna Sightings
Lobsters, mola mola, whales  and dolphins

Souls on Board

Today we have begun our A, B, and C rotations for watch, which means six hour watches! Many of our students spent their nights watching the stars, sunset and sunrise due to their late night watches and while this new schedule has been an adjustment, we are all happy to be underway for 24 hours each day. Students on each watch are split between the science lab and deck duties √ in the lab we conduct deployments and process data and on deck we take positions as lookout on the bow, steering at the helm, and conducting boat checks. Students have six hours on watch each day, then 12 hours to rest, then another 6 hour watch.

We have been having fun chatting and using our go pros and cameras to document our experiences on watch and enjoying delicious meals and snacks with the other watch groups. Each day we have afternoon class and yesterday Captain Alley gave a lesson on sail theory that included all of the sails, lines, and terminology needed to successfully sail the boat. After yesterday’s Mola mola and whale sightings we are hoping to see more wildlife today. We already found some small lobsters during science watch this morning! Each time there is a megafauna sighting students holler to the students and crew downstairs and we all rush to see them. Now it is time for me to get a little rest in before class and my evening watch later!

Trip C303 signing off

Sonia Bradley, A Watch