Location: Denarau, Viti Levu, Fiji
Wow. I have no words — and that never happens. For the past two days, I have gotten the privilege to serve as Chief Mate. Holy cannoli, it was everything I dreamed it would be (starting the week before when I found out about the student-led passage) and more. I was woken up a little after midnight to prepare to tack with Watch Team 2. Never in a million years would I expect to be so pleased to be awake for this watch, especially when it wasn’t even my time on. The rain was pouring down so hard it hurt, and even with this obstacle, Watch Team 2 completed perfect sail trimming and maneuvered the boat so we wouldn’t have to tack (Thanks for a wonderful job on the helm Elie)!
Watch Team 3 (my watch team) did an absolutely fantastic job flaking the main and bringing us through the cut and into Fiji. Thea hoped on the boom of the mainsail and led the most perfect flake of all time! My watch team had a great last watch, and I am so proud of each and every member. Giselle, Izzy, Thea, Amanda, Niko, Felipe, Louis, and Gabe all have such a special place in my heart — I love you all so much!
Next, we woke up the rest of the crew to take in the last few hours of passage. From the most beautiful green islands to the jumping dolphins, it was a sight to be seen. Anchoring was a challenge our team faced head-on. We were efficient and focused, which led us to be able to hook the anchor on the first time. We completed the longest passage in Seamester history with a whopping 5,857 nautical miles from the Galapagos to Fiji, and we could not be more proud.
The rest of the day consisted of group swims, backflips, fresh fruit (I tried passionfruit for the first time — I am in LOVE), jump-in showers, study time, and calls to home. All our meals were cooked by the great Gil (with assistance from the lovely Lewis and stupendous Steph).
I am going to miss passage SO much, but I am so excited for what the future holds. Fiji, you are not ready for this crew!
Signing off (for the last time as skipper),
Frankie
A note for home: Hi Justin<3 here is your shoutout! Miss and love you, pooshee!
Pictured: Thea and Niko on bow watch coming into Viti Levu; Elie, Renee, and Izzy excited to arrive; Bella and Frankie at sunset; Niko, Elie, Una, Bella, and Renee at sunset; amazing life-changing sunset; our current trip log and location on the chart plotter.