Programs Blog

Author:   Sophia Lacambra, Barnard College

Ship’s Log

Position
13˚18.0’N x 132˚33.7W

Winds
Force 3 from the SE

Log
570 nautical miles

Souls on Board

As I’m sure you’ve read in previous posts, life aboard the Seamans revolves around the 18 hour rotating watch cycle that ensures the boat’s constant forward motion (except for science!). While this cycle optimizes our progress toward Hawaii, it means that there is never a moment for the whole boat to take time to be together without at least a few of us having the responsibility of tending to the ship. This Thursday, while the rest of our friends and families back home celebrated together over good food and company, we carried on as if it were a normal day. We tried not to think about the turkey, stuffing, and pies that were being consumed elsewhere in the world as we took turns standing watch, catching up on sleep, or spending time on deck with good company. While our stringent schedule of watches and science deployments prevented us from partaking in the festivities on Thursday, the nature of our current isolation allowed us to celebrate on the day of our choosing which led to our Local Apparent Thanksgiving being held today.

In the middle of A watch’s afternoon watch, we “hove to” (a maneuver usually reserved for science deployments) which allowed us to virtually park in the middle of the Pacific letting the current take us over. Slowly, the ships company starting emerging on deck dressed in their best land clothes in honor of the celebration and feast that we were about to eat.

It’s crazy how different we all looked in our “fancy” outfits. As each new outfit appeared on deck, the quarterdeck became a catwalk and those who were already there would ooh and ah at the dresses and button ups that made their first appearances on the boat. I think we all cleaned up pretty well!Dinner on ship

Collectively, we spent the last few days taking turns in the galley cooking pies, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and so much more under the watchful and helpful eye of our head steward usually spotted with a bright red “Hot Stuff Coming Through” apron and trademark braid/baseball hat combination. (Special thanks to our stewards Ashley and Talia for being the most amazing and generous chefs we could have asked for!)

By the time this afternoon rolled around, we had seen many a pie make its way to the shelf in the main salon that we had been strictly forbidden to touch. We were chomping at the bit to start eating. Unsurprisingly, the food including two 13 lb turkeys and a “shit ton” of potatoes was well worth the wait. As we sat on deck eating our Thanksgiving meal while watching another gorgeous sunset and bobbing around in the middle of this vast and beautiful ocean, it was pretty hard not to feel thankful for this time and the people who I am sharing this experience with. Although I love this ship, she is often needy and requires much attention which made this feast a welcome pause to enjoy a few hours and of uninterrupted peace to just sit there to eat, laugh, and take in the ridiculous view.

Mom, Dad, Jack and Brian; I miss you all and love you so much! I hope your Thanksgivings were full of lots of laughs and good food! Give Apollo a big squeeze for me!

Sophia Lacambra, Barnard College

Contact: Douglas Karlson, Director of Communications, 508-444-1918 | [email protected]