Programs Blog

Friday, October 4^th, 2024

Position: (Lat and Long): 41° 28.3’N x 070° 34.8’W

Log (nm):  7.8nm

Weather / Wind and Sail Plan:  Lite southeasterly breeze, motor-sailing with the fore and main stays’ls. 

Description of where we are sailing:  Transit from Woods Hole to our anchorage near Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard. 

What a great day!  We started with a gorgeous sunrise that was followed by a bountiful breakfast including a spinach, feta, tomato frittata, fruit, and yogurt.  We needed those calories because we were busy practicing our emergency drills.  That means putting on our immersion suits for abandoning ship, running out and charging the fire hoses for a fire drill, and launching the small boat to recover various floating aids used in a man-over-board drill.

Then it was time to get underway!  Time to say fond farewell to Woods Hole and give an enthusiastic hello to the start of our voyage of scientific and self-discovery.  With a lite southeasterly we did have to used the engine to aid us in our short passage across Vineyard Sound to a nearby anchorage off Martha’s Vineyard.  However, there was enough of a fair breeze to warrant setting the fore and main staysls. 

Upon reaching our anchorage it was time for another round of training stations.  This included learning to furl the jib in the head rig, deploying scientific equipment, and a discussion of deck Watch responsibilities. 

Oh my goodness, what a busy day! The students have been great.  They are soaking up every moment and learning so quickly.  They will be running the show in no time!   

As I write this blog, students are meeting with Captain Pamela on quarterdeck, preparing for their first night of anchor watches.  A single hour of watch for each pair of students.  During this time they must complete a boat check on their own, check ranges and bearings on the radar to ensure we are still anchored, and soak up a sky full of stars at sea! 

Chief Scientist, Jeff Schell

PS Student blogs begin tomorrow, so be sure to stay tuned.