Programs Blog

Author: Anna Smith, Watch A, Brown University

Ship’s Log

Wednesday, 25 July 2024

Noon Position (Lat and Long): 17°53.98’S 177°04.35’E

Ship Heading (degrees):  280°

Log (nm): 27.2m

Weather / Wind:  NExN

Description of Location: (At Sea)

This morning, we officially left Port Denarau, Fiji, full of excitement for the sea component, the formidable fender team carefully cushioning our departure.

After working on research projects last night, minds swirling with new boat lingo and the beginnings of sail-handling skills, we hit our bunks awaiting the journey to come, ship rocking us to deep sleep at anchor.

It’s a good thing we slept well. Soon after departure, watch-group B maneuvered quite the storm. The storm continued into the evening and night, during which A-watch (Slay watch!) took the helm on the operation. After a delicious bowl of tomato soup, I clipped on my harness over foul weather gear. Wind in our faces, rain on our backs, and the sea rolling all around us, A-Watch grew closer than ever, finding ourselves in the climax of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

The night passed in waves: Shanties and surf songs, brown boobies landing on our masts, persevering through seasickness, supporting one another to keep hydrated, and admiring the beautiful southern hemisphere constellations strewn across the sky. In the end, few made it without a puke or two, but as the sunrise came, the storm cleared.

We’ve enjoyed much smoother sailing after a wild welcome. Whether on deck, on lookout, at the helm, in the lab, in the galley, or in the engine room, we have all learned so much and are pumped for further sailing and data collection! Learning aboard the Seamans has brought me so much joy and curiosity, particularly at the helm pretending to be a Pirate or on lookout soaking in sapphire-blue water, and more stars than I have ever seen. I’m really excited to get more time in the lab, now more feasible with better weather ahead. Once we get to our first destination, we’ll be snorkeling in the field once again but by watch group (groups A, B, and C). In addition to data collection and processing, we’ll prepare for group presentations and continue to crew the ship.

Sending so many hugs home to Mom, Dad, Stephen, Poppie, Sawyer, and the boys. I love you! Happy early birthday to Stephen, and I look forward to celebrating all together when I’m back!

Warmly,

Anna Smith, Watch A, Brown University