Programs Blog

Sunday, October 27, 2024
Position (Lat and Long): 35° 59.8’N x 074° 01.5’W
Log (nm):  1268
Weather / Wind and Sail Plan:  Clear night skies/BF 4 gusting 5 out of the NE, sailing under three lowers and jib on port tack
Description of where we are sailing: Gulf Stream 80nm off coast of North Carolina

Image Caption 01 Sunrise when we were hauling up anchor the morning we left Chesapeake Bay
Image Caption 02 Rainbow just before we went over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

Throughout most of today we have been sailing for the Gulf Stream which will eventually carry us north along its strong current and give us opportunities to conduct interesting science deployments. Unfortunately this blog post was done thirty minutes after 2100 which means it will likely get posted the next day.

The past several days we have had light winds out of the North East and sun. Although the clarity of the sky makes for beautiful sunsets, sunrises, and stars it is not ideal for sailing. However, once we left the Chesapeake Bay and entered unprotected water, we encountered wind forces ranging from force 4 all the way up to force 6. This does also mean that the sea-state is wavy and bringing up to 6-7 foot swells. Most of the time we have relied on the three lowers, mainstays’l, forestays’s, and mains’l. This morning, following a delicious croissant breakfast from Kendall, the c-watch lab crew hoved-to and worked hard to conduct a shipek grab and a Neuston tow which retrieved some pretty interesting organisms including lots of smaller fish. After these deployments, c-watch set us on our way toward the Gulf Stream.

The bulk of the afternoon was spent processing the deployments and continuing sailing under the three lowers and occasionally setting the jib for extra speed. Around 16:30 we first saw signs of the Gulf Stream by the clouds that settle above it, formed by the warm waters evaporating. As we approached the edge warm water, the lookout reported a pod of around 15 dolphins which proved that we were quite close if not in the Gulf Stream. To add to the excitement, very soon after the crew spotted dolphins jumping all around the boat, nearly everywhere. After close examination, and watching them play along the bow, they were identified to be spotted dolphins. Then at 18:20, B-Watch and C-Watch ate first dinner, which Kendall made Sausages and pasta, so delicious! Watches have recently started assigning Junior Watch Officers (JWO) for upcoming watch rotations. So far, we have had Reagan and Max for C-Watch, and Sophia and Freya for A Watch. Currently, at 21:30, Bretton and I are the B √ Watch JWO’s for tonight’s evening watch, which I am currently on.

Normally, I would not be in the library during watch but I wanted to finish the blog before midnight so that I could wish younger brother, Cam Zapton, a huge happy 13th birthday. I miss you Cam and it sucks that I am not able to be there eating dinner with the family right now, or opening presents, but just know that I wished you the best day ever when I saw a shooting star tonight. Can’t wait to see you in just a few weeks. Happiest of birthdays Cambo! Love you and see you soon! Sorry this did not get posted on the 27th, hopefully you will see this tomorrow the 28th.

-Cooper Z. B-Watch

PS to family and friends.

Olivia K.-Hi family, today I was on watch from 1300-1900 and saw a lot of dolphins and they were so precious! There was even a small amount of baby dolphins swimming and jumping next to their parent and it reminded me of Alyssa’s dolphin painting she gave to dad on father’s Day many years ago! How cute!!!! ?

Molly S.- Happy Birthday Brooke! I miss you so much and can’t wait to see you. Love you. Bretton also says happy birthday from watch.

Quinn S.- Love and miss you Mom, Dad and Jake. Can’t wait to see you all soon!