>> Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Discovery 2012 is now Under Way
The voyage officially began at 0001, 28 January with Schooner Harvey Gamage gamely beating to windward between St Thomas and St Criox. Of course the trip had actually begun some time before with months of student interviews and sign ups to the last busy crew preparations on board. By the afternoon of the 26th, all 21 students had signed aboard and been introduced to their new home with her 8 crew/3 academic educators. The morning of the 27th was filled with safety/watch standing indoctrination then it was “Hands to the windlass,” and “Anchor’s aweigh.” Gamage lifted her skirts to sail serenely off the anchorage bound for sea and Phase II of student orientation.
Phase II ended with a dawn arrival in Reef Bay, St John and with students feeling a good deal saltier. Soon they with educators were ashore to hike up and over the island visiting sugar cane mill ruins along the way to rejoin Gamage, sailed by her crew in the meantime around to Francis Bay. Now, as the first anchor watches are stood under a star filled sky and a gentle breeze, students are realizing the sort of experience they’ve signed for. Some are exhilarated. Some wonder what they’ve gotten themselves into. Some are concerned about how long it will take to gain their sea legs. Most are eager. All now realize that the 4 months ahead promise challenges and possibilities beyond expectations. The concept of Ship/Shipmate/Self has become particularly relevant. A sense of ship board community has begun.
Captain JB Smith,
28 January 2012, Francis Bay, St John, USVI
A Watch: Matthew, Mahima, John, Elizabeth, Audrey, Mr. Bailey, Brendan, Lisa, Peter K., and Patricia
B WATCH: Libby, Meg, Tegan, Andrew, Jackson, Mr.Simpson, Zack, Doug, Chris, and Abbey
C WATCH: Frank, Chapin, Angela, Katie, Ms. Hughs, Peter W., Soren, Christine, Iyla, Claire
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