Location: Antigua
Today, we departed from English Harbour for Falmouth. I was made skipper and woke the crew with selections from Bens sea shanty playlist. Afterward, we had breakfast and prepared for our first passage on Vela. With help from a local diving team, we raised our anchors and went to Falmouth under engine.
After arriving at Falmouth, we went for the first swim and salt-water shower of our offshore session. All Williams-Mystic students (as well as the accompanying staff and our guest, Christina) jumped from the bowsprit into the warm waters of the Caribbean.
During the day, we studied the basics of deck work. In my group, Clifford, James, Richey, Zella, and I were taught the essentials of securing lines by Brooke and Claire.
Chef Emma and sous chefs Richey and Emerson prepared three delicious meals for the day, from breakfast burritos in the morning to an evening feast – all dietary restrictions were accounted for. Gophers Clifford and Jenna were given plenty to do; Clifford enjoyed receiving the full gopher experience.
As skipper, I helped raise and lower Velas ensign, gathered everyone for meetings, and helped with other chores as needed. The experience was rewarding,
Tonight will be our first anchor watch session, and tomorrow begins our passage to Dominica. Before we went to bed, we discussed what we appreciated about today and the animals we would like to see on our voyage whales, barracudas, and octopuses were the most popular choices. During the day, we saw sea turtles, tarpons, and frigatebirds.