Programs Blog

Author: Katie Culp, B Watch, College of the Atlantic

Ship’s Log

March 1st, 2024

Position: Docked in Wellington Harbour, ANZ (41° 17.091’S x 174° 46.816’E)

Ship’s heading and speed: Not moving

Weather: A mostly sunny day, with light and variable winds and calm seas in Wellington Harbour.

Kia ora friends,

This morning we docked in Wellington, the capitol city of Aotearoa New
Zealand! It’s truly an amazing experience to see a place for the first time
from the water. I was on lookout as we arrived in Wellington, and as I gazed
in wonder at the green mountains growing increasingly closer I could see in
the distance many windows reflecting the sun––then I knew we were almost
there! We’ll spend the next few days exploring the city, visiting museums,
and calling our families and friends for the first time since we’ve been
underway.

Stepping off the ship after being aboard for two weeks straight felt so
wild! We’ve been on a rotating watch schedule since getting underway and
have all been adjusting to the rhythms of living on the ship and working
together as crew (which often means getting woken up at 0100 for watch!).
I’ve found the night watches (1900 to 0100) and dawn watches (0100 to 0700)
especially beautiful. There are moments on deck when the moon shines so
bright that the waves take on an other-worldly glow, and the night sky
explodes with stars so numerous and brilliant such as I’ve almost never seen
them before. On these nights you can still see everything so clearly, almost
like it’s the middle of the day. I often feel so grateful to experience such
a stunning time of night.

Being on lookout is my absolute favorite part of being on watch. Standing at
the bow of the boat to alert the crew about nearby ships, obstacles, and
marine life is the greatest opportunity to enjoy the scenery around us and
be incredibly present while tuned into our surroundings. The bow of the boat
often rises into the air when it hits the crest of a wave, and you feel like
you’re flying. In these moments standing at the bow I think about my
nine-year-old self, who always dreamed about going on an adventure like
this, and it re-reminds me to have gratitude for every moment of this
experience.

Soon we will be leaving the dock and venturing offshore once again. I’m sure
we will all be itching to get underway again. There’s nothing like it in the
world.

’Til later!

Katie Culp

B Watch

College of the Atlantic, ’24



P.S.: A special hello to my mom, dad, and remarkable twin brother Joe. I
can’t help but smile when I think about you. I love you all so much and I
can’t wait until we’re together again.

https://sea.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3.1.24-katie-blog-photo-2small.jpg