Location: English Harbour, Antigua
Another beautiful morning on the Ocean Star! Today we moved from our anchorage back to the fuel dock in preparation for our upcoming sail to Nevis. Head chef Griffin made us some delicious banana bread and risotto balls for breakfast. Then, as we began our journey back to English Harbour, we began marine biology class and learned about the first video footage of the giant squid, as well as some of the history behind the field. However, most of us had to climb back on deck to listen to class through the stairwell as we battled seasickness (sorry, Heather!). After recovering, we danced around for a bit and almost lost someone through the gopher hole. When we arrived at the dock, to our surprise, we got to watch one of the team’s row to the finish line of the Atlantic Challenge! For lunch, we had quinoa bowls and hurried to finish clean up in record time. Then, after lunch, we had a leadership class. Ash talked us through an informative quiz where we learned about our leadership styles and discussed our different thought processes. The Greens turned on everyone after learning that they were cast as the peacemakers of the group. I am excited to see how we grow throughout the trip because we will be doing the quiz again, except answering for each other. Next, we successfully completed passage prep. We finally looked like real sailors sweating the lines together. Thanks to Eva for climbing on top of the boom, because I was afraid to do that! After securing the boat for our upcoming sail, we had a safety meeting in preparation for our first onshore excursion at Nelson’s Dockyard. We picked up some extra trinkets, including a giant fly swatter which has already been used to destroy 17 mosquitoes below deck. While some of the girls went for a dress shopping trip, Casey informed me that the rest of the group sought out some jerked chicken wings as a snack. After our shore time, we had our first sign-out and enjoyed dinner together at a French restaurant.
Looking forward to a big adventure tomorrow!
Love you, family, Dylan, and my Sinbin gals!!
–Grace Y.