Motor Sailing from Maui to Waikiki!

Jennessa White, C Watch, Muhlenberg College

Today was a busy day for everyone aboard the Robert C. Seamans! Last night we were anchored at Maalaea Bay right off the southern coast of Maui. C watch (Abby, Nate, Gabby, Eban, Katie, Jennessa, and Jenn) got us underway this morning (0730), heading the ship toward Waikiki Beach, Oahu.

Dolphins riding the bow of Robert C. Seamans

The channel between the Hawaiian Islands typically has very high wind speed, which has allowed us to set the Main Stays'l! We all had thought that we were finished sailing, but the journey isn't over yet! All watches had a chance to take over the deck and run the show. It was lovely to see everyone use their newfound knowledge about sailing for one last time on board. a very bittersweet moment.

On the side of academics, we all are working hard to complete our research projects, both papers and presentations. We have all put in a great amount of work throughout the past 6 weeks in the lab, collecting and processing the data that we are all using. S302 has taken on a wide range of project topics- ranging from Myctophids, Plastics, Thermocline, Nutrients, Pteropods, and Phytoplankton. It has been such a gift to conduct this array of research on a vessel with such amazing scientists and students by my side. I think all students can all say that we have learned so many new things since being on the ship- just when you think you know it all in the lab and on deck, you learn something new!

It seems to be that the end of this amazing journey has come so fast.

Throughout the past few days, we have all been making the most of every single moment aboard. There have been so many amazing experiences that can't be put into words. From seeing the cliffs of Molokai to speed cleaning the galley (breaking the record of S302), it has all been worth it.

Audrey, Jennessa, Eban, Gabby, and Katie hauling on the Main Stays'l halyard shortly after leaving anchor alongside Maui.

This trip has taught me so much about both the ocean and I; lessons that could have never been learned if I weren't to have taken on spending 6 weeks on the Seamans. I look forward to the last few days aboard and can't wait to see what is in store for S302 moving past this journey *tear*.

Jennessa White, C Watch, Muhlenberg College

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