Location: Atlantic Ocean
My day started at 0745. I woke up, changed, and made my coffee. Immediately, I had a feeling. I knew it was going to be a great day. For some reason, the past couple of days had just been special. The ocean gets prettier by the day; the skies are clearer, stars are brighter, the breeze feels cooler, hair’s saltier, and days are better.
Last night, I spent my time stargazing, and the night has never been so bright. I would look ahead of me, behind me, above me left and right, the horizon was painted by constellations, satellites and planes. I hadn’t thought of home once till that very moment, then it hit me. I’m really in the middle of the Atlantic right now, this boat has become my home, I’ve made countless of memories here, as well as lifelong brothers and sisters. Many whales were spotted, many dolphins followed us, many sunsets, many sunrises, lots of laughs, and LOTS of flips.
Our watch started at 0800, and the lovely mood filled the cockpit like perfume and smiles spread like wildfire. Watch team 2 (Johno, Gare Bear, Char Char, Shelby, Mich, and I) were really lucky to put up all the sails! After many, many hours of hearing the motor roar. After raising all the sails gracefully, our team gathered in the cockpit to continue our chats and giggles. Then suddenly, Shelby spotted tunas breaching really high, followed by a few dolphins darting past us. All of a sudden Emma and I spotted a fin around where the tunas were breaching, it wasn’t a dolphin fin, but a shark fin! I was a little disappointed because last night I was on the line with Atlantic Whale Spawn Services, and booked an appointment with a whale for 0900 this morning. Not only were they late by an hour, they gave us a shark and a buncha tunas.
1200, everyone gathered in the cockpit to enjoy Mac’s grilled cheese. Laughter was in the air, plates getting destroyed, food bits on the floor. To me, that sounds like a good time. Once cleanup was over, we had the Gibraltar destination presentation by Runyon, Charley, and Garrett. We then started seamanship class with Coach Behl, followed by Oceanography with Shelby.
The afternoon goes by quick. Dinner arrives, and we munch on Mac’s curry. Many lips were burnt, and many bowls were cleaned. We started our squeeze just as the sun started to set then all of a sudden, we were greeted by a pod of dolphins swimming along the bow saying hi to all of us, ending the evening in classic Seamester fashion.
As my last day being a skipper, I would like to thank GXG’s headquarters as well as the many families for supporting my friends on coming on this awesome trip.
Howards – Johnathan has been a great friend and bunkmate. We truly appreciate his kindness and his hunger for life.
Tylers – Runyon’s goofy personality and hard work attic not only inspire everybody, it brightens the mood in the room.
Schmidts – Joey’s passion for sailing is clear through his hard work and love for the ocean.
Swensons – Will’s stoic and positive outlook on life brings everyone together and is a trait everyone will be taking home.
Houlihan – Garretts humor and funny attitude, not only makes everyone laugh, but makes everyone comfortable opening up.
Philips – Nora’s laidback vibe and her curiosity for life never fail to make us happy but also inspire us.
Seagulls – Nate Funny, understanding, and contagious energy never fails to make us laugh and make our day.
Beaujualts – Lucie’s strong opinion, discipline, and courage make her not only fun to hang out with but also good to work with
Bailey’s – Zoe’s the easiest to talk to, very understanding, and a very very contagious smile.
Henrichon-Goulet’s – Florence’s love for life is contagious, and you will never catch her in a bad mood.
Wilkerson-Hemp’s – Charley’s got a smile that brightens up the room as well as a deep love for her family and the sea.
Once again, I would like to thank all the staff on board, my friends, families, Vela herself and Mike Meighan for this opportunity to cross the Atlantic with my buddies.
Signing out,
Anda(MR.GIGGLES)