Programs Blog

Sails, Fish, and Fun Aloft

October 29, 2023
C Watch Furling the Main Just Before Sunrise

Author: Jackson G., C Watch

Ship’s Log

Sunday to Monday, October 29 and 30th, 2023Ship Heading (degrees):  Due northShip Speed (knots): 12 knots over ground thanks to the Gulf Stream lift of 4+ knots.Log (nm):  Changing quickly, as we had a 224nm days run! Weather / Wind / Sail Plan (from 1300 Watch Change):  Sailing on port tack with four lowers, tops’l, and fisherman.  Winds SW BF 4 but diminishing and becoming variable.  Description of location: Riding the Gulf Stream north ahead of an approaching cold front.

Today, Tess woke me up for morning watch with the great news that I wouldn’tneed foulies for watch. The sea had finally calmed enough that sea spray wasno longer a major issue. I could finally enjoy the warm weather in a T-shirtand shorts. It was still dark when I went up for turnover at 0650 whereJunior Watch Officer Teo passed the cards over to Cade who would be JWO forthe first half of our watch. Now, at the crack of dawn, it was C watch’sturn to compete in the sail race. We were tasked with striking and resettingthe Main and Stay Sails in as short a time as possible. After a quick teamhuddle to decide positions and strategy, we were off easing halyards andfurling sails. The main sail proved to be the most difficult because it wasour first time furling it without the help of a mate. Cade did well callingit and keeping everyone on task. After 49.58 minutes we had finished coilingdown and mustered on the quarter deck before the sun had even risen. Withthat exciting start to the day it was on to the rest of watch. I was JWO forthe second half of watch when the winds changed. It was my first timecalling sail and but my crewmates knew where to be and supported me. Wesuccessfully set the Jib and changed tack.

With the calm waters we decide to set some fishing lines on our stern.Throughout the day we caught 3 Mahi Mahi which are absolutely beautifulfish. The energy on the quarter deck instantly changed when the binder cliplightly holding a bight of the line let go prompting the helmsman to shout“fish on.” Everyone safety rushed aft to catch sight of the fish as it waspulled in. Though we didn’t catch a fish big enough to prepare in the galleyit was still exciting.

Later on today I went aloft with Teo, Miles, Noah, and Liam. Being aloftoffers an almost third person perspective that changes the way you feelaboard. As much as I know I’m far out to sea, being aloft really made mefeel out to sea. From just under the top of the foremast I had a 360 degreeview of still water limited only by the mast itself. Being up there andlooking back down at the standing watch going about their duties amidst theinfinite blue makes the ship feel small and makes this whole experience allthe more captivating.

The days are long and the weeks are short and I really can’t believe it’salmost over. I hope to savor every moment in these last few days aboard theCramer.