The narrow pass into the lagoon of Rangiroa.
Ship's Log
Current Position
14°58.5’S, 147°38.2’W
Ship’s Heading & Speed
Anchored at Rangiroa
Sail Plan
Anchored
Weather
Abundant Cumulus Clouds including a few Cumulonimbus clouds; Wind Speed 10 knots coming from ENE; Temperature 28 C; Sunny; Calm seas
Today we arrived at Rangiroa. The journey here was not so simple, however!
We diligently navigated our path to Rangiroa, spotting it from afar during our 11-3 Midwatch shift. We sailed the first half of the day and a little more, arriving at the pass at about 14:00. We were ready to navigate the tricky, narrow pass, and get into the water to orient ourselves with the reef. The tides had other plans. Patiently waiting for high tide to subside, we looped in circles until 16:30, when the tides shifted from going in to a lull, providing us precision steering and superior control of the vessel. It was at this point when we began our movement through the channel. Through teamwork and communication, we made our way into the lagoon, and dropped anchor at 17:00, just in time for a magnificent sunset, and an even more jaw-dropping full moon.
A dolphin spotted while waiting for the perfect moment outside Rangiroa
Throughout the day we reinforced our lab and sailing skills, and in the evening we all got together for an all-hands dinner, and continued our studying of differing fishes, invertebrates, and corals in preparation for our first official reef survey tomorrow. With full bellies and blissful excitement, we rest up for the long day ahead.
Sincerely,
A-watch member Andrew Shaw, Eckerd College.
Baby Clownfish Bringing Tears of Joy
May 25, 2023 Emma Francoeur, Boston University Ship's Log Location Honolulu, Oahu Weather Sunny and hot with occasional light showers All blogs from S-309 [...]
A Rainbow a Day Keeps the Doctor Away!
May 24, 2023 Carolina Auerbach, Stoked SEA student, Claremont McKenna College Ship's Log Location Honolulu, Oahu Weather Balmy with some winds and light rains occasionally [...]
First Day Highlights of Pacific Reef Expedition
May 23, 2023 Sydney Lynch, Reef Field Technician Ship's Log Location Honolulu, Oahu Weather Nice and sunny most of the day; a little windy All blogs [...]
Embarking on Pacific Reef Expedition
May 22, 2023 Dr. Heather Page, Chief Scientist, SEA Ship's Log Location Honolulu, Oahu Weather Warm and sunny most of the day with scattered light rain [...]