Location: Underway to Palau
Hi everyone!!! Today was probably one of the coolest days on passage so far.
But let’s start from the beginning.
We woke up this morning to a superrrr hot day. Everyone was super sweaty and tired from night watch.
All morning long, we just chilled and had the deck walk exams, where basically Sam was testing everyone to see how well they knew the boat, so she would ask what each line and sail does and what purpose it has.
After that, we were deep into the afternoon, and that’s when the craziest thing happened! Pilot whales everywhere!! It was a whole pod of them.
Every time I hear that “WHALEEEEE!!!” call from up deck, I just know that it’s going to be so good
We all ran up the deck to see it. They got so close to the bow of the boat it was unbelievable, they hung around for at least an hour and during that hour we just stared at them amazed by how beautiful they were!! Maddy and Ceci were showing off their whale call skills, which I believed really worked, then everyone started practicing their whale calls, and it was just so funny.
Mac and Sam also took out the boat’s pet drone, Barnaby, and we got some awesome close-up views of the whales.
During the whole whale watching, I lost track of time, got a little sunburnt, and somehow it was already time for dinner, which is my favorite time because we get to see everyone and have some squeeze time.
Then there was this beautiful sunset where I was just helping Jill hunt all the most beautiful clouds for her to take pics of, then Dan, Charles, and Kayla playing guitar in the cockpit.
I think the passage so far has been so special because we just get to see a part of the world that not everyone has the privilege to experience, especially on a boat like Vela and with people like this. It’s like one big family, and we all have been looking out for each other and just making the most out of it.
I think that’s it for the day I mean what more could I possibly need? I got to see some whales, an amazing sunset, and obviously boat watch with the best watch team on the boat. (Woooohoooo watch team 1)
To my family and friends at home! Miss you and love you so much. I’m doing great and can’t wait to talk with you hopefully soon.
-noa
DOUBLE BLOG!!!!
Everyone’s morning began with the deck walk exam, where each student had to walk the deck with a staff member one-on-one, naming every line used in sail handling and its purpose. Once everyone had completed their exams, we ate lunch cooked by head chef Isaac and his sous chefs, Ian and Daniel.
After lunch, our afternoon began with us turning the engines off to admire a large pod of pilot whales circling Vela. As usual, Mac sent his drone in to get an aerial view, while everyone gathered at the bow to record videos of their own. It seemed that the whales were attracted to the whale noises Maddie and the others were making, as the whales would repeatedly pop their heads out of the water like a game of whack-a-mole, making their way closer and closer to Vela, until they eventually swam under the boat.
After admiring the whales for a couple of hours, we resumed our passage to Palau, which was now only 100 nautical miles away. As we motored along, students on the 40-day passage practiced some of their EFR skills with guidance from Ben, while Arden and Jack practiced making harnesses out of rope. When EFR practice came to an end, we practiced a man overboard drill, using a fender to simulate a person. It was ultimately a success, and Mac rewarded us with some swimming time in the ocean. Once everyone was cleaned and dried off, we ended our day with dinner and the last squeeze on passage, where I asked what hobby or skill you wished you had learned but never had the time.
Everyone cannot wait until tomorrow, when we will finally arrive in Palau and hopefully have time to message our families and friends about our adventures.
– Jason S.