Programs Blog

March 12, 2025

Location: Queens Wharf, Wellington, ANZ

41º 17.044’S x 174º 46.812’E

It’s hard to put into words how this trip has made me feel thus far, especially these last 2 weeks

offshore and now at our port stop in Wellington. Exploring this new city after being at sea for a

good amount of time felt like a gift in itself. So far we have visited the Te Papa Museum and

their offsite research center, tried many new coffee shops/restaurants, and rode the famous cable

car up to the botanical gardens! Most of my personal journal entries have ended with “I am so

grateful” or “I truly can’t believe I am here”.

From the start of the program, one of my continuous goals has been to feel it all. At first, I had a

rough idea of what that might look like. Maybe it was the thrill of setting the mainsail with all

my shipmates, being present during moments that feel like the nicest experiences of my life, or

maybe it included how my stomach felt during that damn gale. But as time has progressed so

have my perspective on this phrase.

This goal has allowed me to recognize a new side of myself. Someone who is growing and

learning and experiencing each day. Yesterday, I celebrated my 21st birthday. While I thought

this birthday was going to be extra difficult as we are all so far from the people we love, I felt

right at home. The secret question of “what food are you craving right now”, during a previous

watch, magically turned into one of my favorite pasta dishes, and me following the first bite by

saying “this is exactly how my mom makes it!” With a special chocolate cake later that day, and

birthday morning avocado with breakfast, I thought it couldn’t get better than this! But no. There

was more. A complete ice cream bar with all different flavors, chocolate sauce, birthday

sprinkles, and whipped cream was swiftly set up right under my nose. Another round of singing

happy birthday conducted by Chief Mate Eric had me shedding a small tear (or two). The

outpouring of love from this crew is rare and I will cherish it long after our time together comes

to a close.

My day (and the day leading up to it) was filled with so many sweet treats, surprises, lots of

personalized cards from friends/crew, and a few happy tears. I’ve talked about it in my previous

blog, but the community here on the Seamans is like no other. This boat is filled with laughter

(sometimes so loud we have to shut the water-tight doors), love, and support. The genuine care

that each person has for their shipmates is inspiring and has allowed me to become more

confident in myself and my abilities.

So as I enter this next year of my life and prepare to take on leadership roles like JWO (junior

watch officer), I am excited to see what the future has in store.

–Angelina Arcidi, B Watch, College of Charleston

SHOUTOUTS<3

Mom and Dad, our recent music circles on board have had a small sprinkle of the Beatles and

other songs that we love to listen to, driving by the beach. The nostalgia sunk in when we played

Hey Jude on the quarterdeck during our 10-day voyage. I love you both with my whole heart and

cannot wait to give you the biggest hugs once I am home (sorry I extended my travels to

Australia but I promise I will eventually come back to the Northern Hemisphere).

Carmela, I hope work and dance are going well! Visiting all the vintage shops is getting me

excited to spend time with you in NYC and go thrifting together this Summer!!! ILY

Mayson, Lucy, CC, and all my roommates studying abroad, I miss you so so much but I cannot

wait to hear about everyone’s semester stories very soon! Sending love from a far.