Programs Blog

July 25, 2025

Noon Position: (Lat and Long): 20° 36.6’ N 157° 38.9’ W

Ship Heading (degrees): 135

Ship Speed (knots): 2 knots

Taffrail Log (nm): 95.8 nm

Weather / Wind / Sail Plan (from 1300 Watch Change): Sunny, windy, warm

Description of location: SW of Moloka’i

Hello!! We’re two days into being underway out in the Pacific Ocean around the islands of Hawai’i! The first day underway was rough with seasickness, unfortunately most of us were feeling unwell. But we are on the up and up! Today we were on morning watch which was from 0700-1300. We have been making some great memories so far and have been keeping busy with all the watch duties which include boat checks, galley clean up (the kitchen), lookout, and helm (steering the ship). We also did a Neuston tow which was really cool. What was more cool was seeing everything that we caught in the tow afterward, like a megalopa!

The next morning, we were on dawn watch which was from 0100-0700, and it was amazing to see all the stars. There were more stars than I have ever seen in my life. I also saw two shooting stars! Hana and I were in the lab for most of dawn watch and we got to do so much processing such as total alkalinity, pH, chlorophyll a, neuston tow, and a 100 count! We saw a cool stomatopod in the neutson tow sampling! By the end of our watch the sun began to rise, and it was such a pretty sunrise!  We also got to gybe this morning! The food has been very good, there’s lots of snacks which is much appreciated. The day to day on the ship pretty much consists of being on watch, sleep, eat, and sleep some more :). 

p.s. Hi mom! Give the dogs lots of hugs and kisses for me and tell them that I’m still alive! Lots of love, talk to y’all soon!

Amira Boory, B Watch, University of South Carolina