Author: Nicholas Parish
Location: Gorda Sound, Virgin Gorda
If I could summarize today with only one word, that word would be you guessed it FUN!!! We started this glorious day with a pancake breakfast compliments of Head Chef Chris and Sous Chef Brenna (Eh?). After a hasty cleanup and some ample sunscreen application, we set out on two IC 24 sail boats. These little sloops clearly illustrated the points of sail to many confused shipmates as well as provided everyone with a little relaxation. Next on the agenda was the PADI Open Water Final Exam. Our 7 open water trainees have been performing outstandingly on this voyage and, of course, passed the test with flying colors. After a quick lunch, we set out on a little adventure known as Hobie Carnage. This relay race consisted of two Hobie Cats (small catamaran sailing boats), 16 racers, and some serious adrenaline, sweat and tears. Although the obviously more skilled "Team Awesomest" put forth an outstanding effort the underdog "Team Fantabulous" took the win for the day. After returning for some quick showers, the crew of Ocean Star set out for a BBQ with the younger Action Quest sailors. Shortly following the BBQ came some R 'n R at Saba Rock. Some lucky sailors finished the night with a lovely hour of anchor watch. Over all this day proved to be more like a Caribbean Vacation, than an exploration Voyage. Fair Winds, and Following Seas to all.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Awesome Day!
Author: Trisha Rosenkranz
Location: Gorda Sound, Virgin Gorda
The crew of S/Y Ocean Star started the day with a scrumptious breakfast of cereal prepared by Erin and Elise. After breakfast clean-up we had MTE class and learned some basic sailing techniques. Then we played a fun game of "Who Can Find the Line Faster," which was pretty intense. My team lost, but we are bringing our A-game next time. Later we prepared Ocean Star to sail from Spanish Town to Anegada and Gorda Sound. This was our first full sailing experience and we all were stoked! Basically it was the coolest thing that I've ever done, and the crew says the same. After anchoring in Gorda Sound and feeling awesome after actually sailing our 88 foot Oceanstar, we devoured some delicious tuna salad sandwiches. Later we went for an amazing mangrove snorkel! We saw some sweet creatures such as medusa worms, brain coral, sea urchins, huge sea cucumbers, a foot-long conch, and tons of mangrove trees, coral, and fish. We all kissed the sea cucumber, which is supposed to bring us seven years of good luck! After snorkeling we "showered" and had dinner, followed by a very interesting slide-show of invertebrates. It was a great, action-packed day!
Location: Gorda Sound, Virgin Gorda
The crew of S/Y Ocean Star started the day with a scrumptious breakfast of cereal prepared by Erin and Elise. After breakfast clean-up we had MTE class and learned some basic sailing techniques. Then we played a fun game of "Who Can Find the Line Faster," which was pretty intense. My team lost, but we are bringing our A-game next time. Later we prepared Ocean Star to sail from Spanish Town to Anegada and Gorda Sound. This was our first full sailing experience and we all were stoked! Basically it was the coolest thing that I've ever done, and the crew says the same. After anchoring in Gorda Sound and feeling awesome after actually sailing our 88 foot Oceanstar, we devoured some delicious tuna salad sandwiches. Later we went for an amazing mangrove snorkel! We saw some sweet creatures such as medusa worms, brain coral, sea urchins, huge sea cucumbers, a foot-long conch, and tons of mangrove trees, coral, and fish. We all kissed the sea cucumber, which is supposed to bring us seven years of good luck! After snorkeling we "showered" and had dinner, followed by a very interesting slide-show of invertebrates. It was a great, action-packed day!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Adventures Underway
Author: Tiffany Rothengast
Location: Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda
The day started off with an adrenaline rush as the fire alarm sounded for our first drill on board. In the descent of the rush we talked philosophically over breakfast preparing for the intense day ahead. Ocean Star's crew strapped up for an early morning dive; the open water group spotted an octopus among many other forms of life under the clear water's surface. After the diving quizzes we noticed a dolphin splashed up to surface when we were anchored at Mountain Point. The crew eagerly gathered to ready for our first sail. We hydrated and mentally prepared ourselves for our first nautical miles. After reviewing the rigging and setting specific jobs we trimmed the sails and tacked forward to the royal blue horizon. With all hands on deck, nothing but wind and determination pushed the 67 and a half ton schooner along the Caribbean. There's something invigorating yet soothing about the ship moving with no sounds but the salt water slapping along the sides. No diesel motor necessary to navigate. The sense of camaraderie thickened when we, as students, tested ourselves as a crew. We traveled to Spanish Town to anchor for the evening, ready to build off of our first adventure underway.
Location: Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda
The day started off with an adrenaline rush as the fire alarm sounded for our first drill on board. In the descent of the rush we talked philosophically over breakfast preparing for the intense day ahead. Ocean Star's crew strapped up for an early morning dive; the open water group spotted an octopus among many other forms of life under the clear water's surface. After the diving quizzes we noticed a dolphin splashed up to surface when we were anchored at Mountain Point. The crew eagerly gathered to ready for our first sail. We hydrated and mentally prepared ourselves for our first nautical miles. After reviewing the rigging and setting specific jobs we trimmed the sails and tacked forward to the royal blue horizon. With all hands on deck, nothing but wind and determination pushed the 67 and a half ton schooner along the Caribbean. There's something invigorating yet soothing about the ship moving with no sounds but the salt water slapping along the sides. No diesel motor necessary to navigate. The sense of camaraderie thickened when we, as students, tested ourselves as a crew. We traveled to Spanish Town to anchor for the evening, ready to build off of our first adventure underway.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Fish in the water
Author: Chris Uyeda
Location: Mountain Point, Virgin Gorda
I hate to dwell on the topic of scuba diving, but you have to understand - it's awesome. And although I know you've been reading about it for the last couple of days its warrants another mention. Why? Glad you asked. First, diving has completely dominated our schedule. In some cases, a diving class may spread itself well over a fortnight. It's day 5 and we're more than halfway done. Second, do you remember all your childhood dreams of being able to bounce around in space, fly, or breathe underwater? Well that's basically scuba diving. Being neutrally buoyant is the closest you'll get to zero gravity (assuming of course you're not an astronaut or went to space camp), and swimming underwater at 60 ft is flying, and breathing underwater - well let me remind you that the "u - b -a" of "scuba" stands for "underwater breathing apparatus." In short all your desired superpowers in one. Third, you have no idea how much there is to see underwater. Pull into a gorgeous new bay, like we did today, and the scenery at the surface would be enough to last a vacation. And looking down into the crystal clear water you're more struck by what you can't see, than what you can. But put on a mask and hop in and there is life everywhere. For example, some of the group went snorkeling today while we were blowing bubbles. This is a sampling of what they saw: schooling cuttlefish, a green sea turtle, squid, tarpon, and a trumpetfish. They also saw a sea slug, which isn't usually that exciting, except this one was attached to Michael's leg. And fourth, watch a person swim in the ocean and it looks like we just don't fit. We're slow, awkward, clumsy, and limited in our movement. The inverse of a "fish out of water." But don a mask, fin, snorkel and scuba equipment and for the 40 minutes you're underwater, you almost feel like you're part of the ocean. Hopefully now you see my point.
Location: Mountain Point, Virgin Gorda
I hate to dwell on the topic of scuba diving, but you have to understand - it's awesome. And although I know you've been reading about it for the last couple of days its warrants another mention. Why? Glad you asked. First, diving has completely dominated our schedule. In some cases, a diving class may spread itself well over a fortnight. It's day 5 and we're more than halfway done. Second, do you remember all your childhood dreams of being able to bounce around in space, fly, or breathe underwater? Well that's basically scuba diving. Being neutrally buoyant is the closest you'll get to zero gravity (assuming of course you're not an astronaut or went to space camp), and swimming underwater at 60 ft is flying, and breathing underwater - well let me remind you that the "u - b -a" of "scuba" stands for "underwater breathing apparatus." In short all your desired superpowers in one. Third, you have no idea how much there is to see underwater. Pull into a gorgeous new bay, like we did today, and the scenery at the surface would be enough to last a vacation. And looking down into the crystal clear water you're more struck by what you can't see, than what you can. But put on a mask and hop in and there is life everywhere. For example, some of the group went snorkeling today while we were blowing bubbles. This is a sampling of what they saw: schooling cuttlefish, a green sea turtle, squid, tarpon, and a trumpetfish. They also saw a sea slug, which isn't usually that exciting, except this one was attached to Michael's leg. And fourth, watch a person swim in the ocean and it looks like we just don't fit. We're slow, awkward, clumsy, and limited in our movement. The inverse of a "fish out of water." But don a mask, fin, snorkel and scuba equipment and for the 40 minutes you're underwater, you almost feel like you're part of the ocean. Hopefully now you see my point.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Hiking and Yet More Diving
Author: Elise Russell
Location: Savannah Bay
Today started out with some delicious French toast, courtesy of our lovely cooks Nick and Sarah. After announcements, we all met in the cockpit (by the ship's wheel) for our introduction to Oceanography, taught by the ever-enthusiastic Chris. Thus pumped up with zest for scientific exploration, we rode the dinghy out to the island, Virgin Gorda, for a morning hike. We landed on the beach, donned socks and sneakers, and marched along a narrow trail through tough, tropical brush. On the windward side of the island, opposite from the bay the ship is anchored in, we scrambled down a rocky hill to an even rockier beach, where Chris sent us off to explore the ecosystem. We discovered coconut husks, dead corals of many types, limpets, snails, and even a few spiky, deep purple sea urchins that we got to hold in our hands. I never expected something so spiky to be able to move around so well. As we left the beach, we took along as much of the unfortunate litter there as we could. Kristina even found a perfectly good, shiny carabineer clip. Back on the ship, those working toward their open-water certification met to go over some more knowledge reviews, and others took the time to relax and take a closer look at the books of knots in the salon. Lunch was some much-appreciated macaroni and cheese, with leftover chili from yesterday evening as an optional topping. In the afternoon, much scuba diving ensued. The already-certified divers took a check dive under the ship, testing out their skills and equipment. Those working on their certifications headed off to practice "confined water" diving, and apparently they came upon some pretty sweet sea life, like a sea slug. However, two of us had to stay behind on the boat, where we helped fix a broken switch, read, and practiced all sorts of knots. When everyone came back, there was a lot of fun with riddles, twenty questions, and brain benders. We "showered" again later in the afternoon, and many are just getting used to soaping in their bathing suits and rinsing in salt water. Dinner was some truly amazing sloppy joes with corn and mashed potatoes, and even the picky eaters on the crew gave them a try. After dinner was a full Red Cross course in first aid and CPR - very useful indeed. Altogether, another productive and fun day!
Location: Savannah Bay
Today started out with some delicious French toast, courtesy of our lovely cooks Nick and Sarah. After announcements, we all met in the cockpit (by the ship's wheel) for our introduction to Oceanography, taught by the ever-enthusiastic Chris. Thus pumped up with zest for scientific exploration, we rode the dinghy out to the island, Virgin Gorda, for a morning hike. We landed on the beach, donned socks and sneakers, and marched along a narrow trail through tough, tropical brush. On the windward side of the island, opposite from the bay the ship is anchored in, we scrambled down a rocky hill to an even rockier beach, where Chris sent us off to explore the ecosystem. We discovered coconut husks, dead corals of many types, limpets, snails, and even a few spiky, deep purple sea urchins that we got to hold in our hands. I never expected something so spiky to be able to move around so well. As we left the beach, we took along as much of the unfortunate litter there as we could. Kristina even found a perfectly good, shiny carabineer clip. Back on the ship, those working toward their open-water certification met to go over some more knowledge reviews, and others took the time to relax and take a closer look at the books of knots in the salon. Lunch was some much-appreciated macaroni and cheese, with leftover chili from yesterday evening as an optional topping. In the afternoon, much scuba diving ensued. The already-certified divers took a check dive under the ship, testing out their skills and equipment. Those working on their certifications headed off to practice "confined water" diving, and apparently they came upon some pretty sweet sea life, like a sea slug. However, two of us had to stay behind on the boat, where we helped fix a broken switch, read, and practiced all sorts of knots. When everyone came back, there was a lot of fun with riddles, twenty questions, and brain benders. We "showered" again later in the afternoon, and many are just getting used to soaping in their bathing suits and rinsing in salt water. Dinner was some truly amazing sloppy joes with corn and mashed potatoes, and even the picky eaters on the crew gave them a try. After dinner was a full Red Cross course in first aid and CPR - very useful indeed. Altogether, another productive and fun day!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Tiny Bubbles
Author: Gregory Sandberg
Location: Savannah Bay
Today I tried scuba diving for the first time. It's a surreal experience to breathe underwater for the first time and even though it was not easy I did make some progress. The thing about diving is you never know what to expect, but just trying something new is a worth while experience. Everyone else in the group had a good time and we're all looking forward to continuing our training and eventually becoming certified divers like some of the other shipmates aboard. While the dive students were in the water practicing skills, the rest of the crew went ashore for some fun in the sun. Savannah Bay has a picturesque white sand beach, surrounded on one side by green hills and on the other with turquoise waters. And as I saw this scene sprawled out before me riding the dinghy back to Ocean Star my mind thought of paradise.
Location: Savannah Bay
Today I tried scuba diving for the first time. It's a surreal experience to breathe underwater for the first time and even though it was not easy I did make some progress. The thing about diving is you never know what to expect, but just trying something new is a worth while experience. Everyone else in the group had a good time and we're all looking forward to continuing our training and eventually becoming certified divers like some of the other shipmates aboard. While the dive students were in the water practicing skills, the rest of the crew went ashore for some fun in the sun. Savannah Bay has a picturesque white sand beach, surrounded on one side by green hills and on the other with turquoise waters. And as I saw this scene sprawled out before me riding the dinghy back to Ocean Star my mind thought of paradise.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Real Day One
Author: Jeff Schneider
Location: Savannah Bay
Today we woke up for the first time aboard Ocean Star, starting with a refreshing 6:30 am swim test. After a quick breakfast we learned how to get the ship ready to move, and motored out of the docks towards Savannah Bay. While we were underway, the open water diving students were introduced to the course that will take them 60 feet down into the ocean. Once settled in the bay, we had our first formal dinner (shirts are required!) and discussed our goals for the trip. We ended the night learning the essentials about Ocean Star that we will need to know to survive the next 38 days.
Location: Savannah Bay
Today we woke up for the first time aboard Ocean Star, starting with a refreshing 6:30 am swim test. After a quick breakfast we learned how to get the ship ready to move, and motored out of the docks towards Savannah Bay. While we were underway, the open water diving students were introduced to the course that will take them 60 feet down into the ocean. Once settled in the bay, we had our first formal dinner (shirts are required!) and discussed our goals for the trip. We ended the night learning the essentials about Ocean Star that we will need to know to survive the next 38 days.
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