Location: Underway to Fernando de Noronha
With the newest chapter of this incredible 90-day journey having just begun, it is surprising how easily we all slip back into the familiar routine of passage life. A return to the rhythmic 4 hours on and 8 hours off, a cycle that defines our days at sea is a very bittersweet thing. On the one hand, is the fact that we have just left such a uniquely beautiful and isolated island, and on the other is the anticipation of all that Brazil will hold, as well as an opportunity to really buckle down and get some schoolwork out of the way.
This morning was not the morning to catch up on sleep; with the first test of this semester in the early afternoon, most were up earlier than usual, taking care of some last-minute studying. Marine Biology, is the subject upon which we were being tested, was an almost constant topic of conversation. Post exam, there was a distinct air of relaxation and relief to finally have it out of the way.
Especially after swimming with whale sharks and hiking along the cliffs of Saint Helena, it is truly strange how something as amazing as sailing across the open waters of the Atlantic can begin to seem almost normal! Many things that were completely foreign a few weeks ago have become second nature. From sweating a halyard to checking the bilge pump, this lifestyle has become familiar and comfortable. After running through almost an entire rotation of the job wheel, most people are acquainted with the variety of positions necessary to make this all possible. As we gain more of a grasp on boat life, we are freed to truly enjoy the more subtle aspects of this whole experience.