Location: Cape Agoulas
A major milestone was hit today as we rounded the southern-most tip of Africa! And to make it all the more exciting, it all happened during our first full day of student-led passage, where Vera (skipper), Fin (chief mate), Adda (navigator), and Henry (engineer) – along with the help of our 12 other students – have fully taken over Velas operations.
Since pulling off the dock yesterday, we have:
– Traversed one TSS (traffic separation scheme) where we encountered a huge amount of cargo ships all within close range, ducking in, our and around them
– Raised our sails – for what will be the last time – with Fin calling the shots
– Rounded Cape Agoulas: the southern-most tip of Africa!
– Woken Vera about 498 times at all hours of the night for her standing orders (it was a crazy one last night!)
– Gone from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean!!!
– Finished both the Oceanography and Marine Biology courses
– Almost caught two fish.until both of them spit the hook
– Got splashed by one massive wave
– Consumed copious amounts of chocolate
– And shed a few more tears about our oncoming departure date 🙁
With about 24 hours left of this student-led passage, it is safe to say that this is up there with the best ones Ive seen. Its not just those in the leadership roles that have stepped up to the massive task of rounding the Cape of Good Hope; it is every single one of the students. They have really taken on the understanding that this is one of the most daunting, yet well-respected passages in the world. The whole group is also taking pride in getting Vela to her final destination on their own, while the staff has been able to step back and admire all of the growth that has happened over the last 83 days. This passage sheds light on just how incredible this group is and how much they have bound together to cross an entire ocean!
Heres to one more incredible week with the dreaded day 90 approaching far too quickly
Mum: I love you and miss you so much!!
Derek: Happy happy birthday!!! Cant wait to be home and celebrate with you so soon.