Programs Blog

Date: May 8, 2025

Time: 1912

Location: Anchorage off Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Weather: Light gusty winds out of the East x North, force 2. Only small wind chop within the lagoon, though a large swell of roughly 12 feet beats along the fringe reef that surrounds the island

Sweating and exhausted, I’m currently typing away in the library, a small nook just off the salon below deck. Beads of sweat are rolling down my face, unfortunately dripping all over my computer. The gentle light of a night-vision-red bulb gently glows across the table, giving me the sensation of a lizard as I slowly cook. The damp shirt and tired muscles are welcome though, a reminder of the day’s accomplishments. It has been a whirlwind of a day, a whirlwind of a trip for that matter, one that we are watching draw nearer to the end, but I’ll save that for later.

As of this evening, we have made it to Bora Bora, our idyllic anchorage for the next two days. Lush green slopes surround our Bobby C., interrupted by sharp spires of volcanic rock that breach the clouds and look down upon fringing reefs. Eight to twelve foot barreling waves welcomed us into anchorage, leaving the surfers of the boat salivating; the mind-surfing has been dreamy (don’t worry mom, I won’t be trying to pack any shallow reef barrels… for now). Amongst these wonderful and inviting sights, sounds, and smells has been the mind-boggling warmth of the sea. With our last swim call only one day ago, everyone can attest that we have made it to tropical waters. So how is it possible to have 86˚ F seas, a great blue bathtub?

One thing that is constantly apparent in these latitudes is the sun, a significant factor in the marine conditions around us. Well known as a key characteristic of the tropics, this band of the earth receives constant sun exposure, the angle of the sun altering only slightly during the course of the year. Water’s high heat retention means this heat is lost at a slower rate during the night, creating the perfect conditions for consistent temperatures year round. Though currents, wind, and other systems may cause fluctuations in this temperature, the overall state of the sea in the tropics is hot, lending to unique biotic and abiotic features that have been on constant display.

Squalls that rise vertically seemingly out of nowhere, lush islands laden with rain, marine fish of every hue, sunsets like I’ve never witnessed before; I am coming to understand the words “tropical paradise.” These unique conditions bring with them all sorts of emotions. Though, of course, these emotions often skew greatly in favor of the upbeat, they also present a sad but inevitable truth—the end of our time at sea. Though several days of adventure remain, it is hard not to think about what comes next. We’re all spent from 18-hour day rotations, crazy sea states, and simply the five weeks at sea have taken their toll, leaving us craving the longer nights of sleep that await us on shore. But this is what we signed up for, and, despite the sleep deprivation and horrendous tan lines, there is not one of us who wouldn’t want to continue our journey, hands down. Particularly now that we are in the tropics, I wish we could island-hop forever, exploring and experiencing what each island and atoll have to offer. I’ll let Olivia speak more on that subject in the next blog.

For now, know that we are happy, healthy, and hot as sh*t. We have made the most of our time at sea and don’t plan to stop now—the next day packed with constant boat trips to and from various destinations on the islands. Cheers to everyone at home, we’ll be texting you all soon. –Zach Flagler, University of Washington

Shoutouts:

To my family, I miss you all so much. I’ve been trying not to use my phone much until we are officially at shore, but I couldn’t help but text mom to check in the other day. I hope she told you about the incredible time I’m having. Mom, it made me melt texting you the other day during our med stop in Tahiti. It meant the world. I love you all and truly can’t wait to be back with you all again. Sending my love from Tahiti.