Location: The Mediteranean Sea
Day 51 started off bittersweet as we proceeded out of Gibraltar without our shipmates from the 50-Day Program. The reduced team size now meant that everyone had more responsibility and impact on the daily operations of the ship.
There was no time to reflect as the day started at 0600 by pulling away from our dock and heading to the fuel bunker further in the bay. It was all hands-on deck to handle the bow line, stern lines and spring lines with Captain Tom at the helm. Dan, Johnathan and Lucie accompanied Vela across the bay in the dinghy to provide support as the vessel navigated the confined spaces of the marina. We smoothly pulled up along starboard to the fuel dock and awaited the opening of the operations. Meanwhile, breakfast was being prepared in the galley by Will and Garrett.
After a couple hours of fuel bunkering, Vela pulled away from the dock, and was on its way out of Gibraltar. With calm winds and seas, it was going to be a day of motoring, ahead. However, the fun and surprises came quickly and lasted throughout the day. First, we had two shark sightings as we were just leaving the bay. We highly suspect at least one was a hammerhead. Throughout the day, we saw pods of dolphins and fish jumping.
When the evening came, we had calm and smooth seas. The sunset lit up the surface of the ocean as we cruised. Later, our wake started to glow a bright green color as the waves revealed the bioluminescence. While Nora from the new Watch Team 3 was on bow watch, she shouted as she could see dolphins glowing underneath the water as they surfed the bow wave in the night.
As our journey in the Mediterranean continues, there is significantly more boat traffic as well. This kept our watch teams vigilant throughout the nights to ensure that we avoid other boat traffic. The first evening was a clear indicator of things to come. We utilize VHF radios on board to monitor radio correspondences from other vessels along with enhancing our on-deck communications from the bow to the cockpit. Luckily, everyone has gone through the VHF course on the trip, which has given the necessary introduction to working with the radios.
Above all, the group is smaller but are realizing the fun of playing an even bigger role(s) in keeping the program and vessel moving along safely and efficiently. The surprises remain and our training and experience that has built throughout the trip is getting a chance to show itself!
Ruffles, if you’re reading this, we wanted to let you know that you got to helm today 😉