Sarah Strand, Sewanee: University of the South

Hey everyone, Sarah Banks here.

We're finally aboard the Robert C. Seamans, wahoOo!

It's been a busy past two days orienting to 'boat life.' We've been put into our watches, I'm in B-Watch with Dylan, Muj, Amelia, Rachel, and George. 2nd mate Kirsten, Assistant Scientist Emily, intern Jessie, along with all the other experienced crew members have been super helpful on showing us the ins and outs, ups and downs, sheets and sails, etc. Today we went over safety drills, including man over board, fire drill, and abandon ship.

A fun part, as always, was pulling on our immersion suits, or 'Gumby suits' as we like to call them (google 'immersion suits' and you'll understand why). After that, we continued learning about boat procedures/anatomy with our watches. B watch looked at the fore sails, learning which lines connect where and what they do.

In the afternoon, our class went on a field trip to NIWA (New Zealand Institute of Water and Atmosphere). At NIWA, New Zealand's NOAA equivalent, we heard presentations from Petra, a manager for the research on Climate, Atmosphere, and Hazards, as well as Maria, a meteorologist, and Jeremy who researches New Zealand's fisheries. A highlight was testing out the green screen and practicing our weather reporting.

One thing that the group was impressed by was how NIWA advises government ministries, local and central, throughout New Zealand. After our field trip, we had free time to explore Auckland. Some of us went to the maritime museum or picked up more supplies before our departure on Sunday.

There is so much positive energy on the boat (thanks to the amazing food from our stewards), can't wait to set sail!

S/O to my family and friends!

Signing off,

Sarah Banks Strand