Marin Allen, A Watch, University of Massachusetts Amherst

April 15, 2022

Hello again from Cramer!

Today marks our first rain! After a few calm hours in the morning, we were joined by ominous clouds and a steady rain. We donned our foul weather gear and quickly struck and furled the mains’l, which hasn’t happened since we hoisted it on our first day of sailing!

Eventually A watch brought Cramer hove to due to light winds and the potential of a science deployment (although poor conditions meant a no-go for science). After a perfectly timed lunch of warm noodle soup, B watch took over manning the boat and the rest of us settled into our off-watch schedules.

After almost a week of sailing, we’ve all gotten better at finding a routine that works for us! As I write this: Posy and Emmi are making bracelets, Kayla is working on her sheet anchor assignment, Elizabeth is braiding Adam’s hair and chatting with Isabelle, Karen is writing her novel, and Audrey is working on afternoon snack. A couple of people are catching up on sleep or chipping away at memorizing the lines on deck. I’ve personally been really enjoying reading, not only the books I brought with me, but also those from the massive library here. I am currently reading both The Midnight Library (on recommendation from my sisters!) and Conversations with Friends.

Speaking of my family, I want to say a love-filled hello and a huge I miss you to all of you! The same goes to my dearest Hoegaarden (missing our nightly recaps on the hallway floor right about now), as well as a massive happy (late) birthday to my dear Ilana! Cannot wait to tell you all my tall ship tails when I am back <3333!

-Marin Allen, (sl)A(y) Watch, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Contact: Douglas Karlson, Director of Communications, 508-444-1918 | dkarlson@sea.edu