Current position of the SSV Robert C. Seamans. Click on the vessel to view position history. Use the tools, top right, to change the map style or view data layers. Dates and times use GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
SEA Currents: SSV Robert C. Seamans
November 15, 2019
Day #1 Aboard

Our very own Jessie Sheldon, reporting New Zealand's weather.
Hey everyone, Sarah Banks here.
We're finally aboard the Robert C. Seamans, wahoOo!
It's been a busy past two days orienting to 'boat life.' We've been put into our watches, I'm in B-Watch with Dylan, Muj, Amelia, Rachel, and George. 2nd mate Kirsten, Assistant Scientist Emily, intern Jessie, along with all the other experienced crew members have been super helpful on showing us the ins and outs, ups and downs, sheets and sails, etc. Today we went over safety drills, including man over board, fire drill, and abandon ship. A fun part, as always, was pulling on our immersion suits, or 'Gumby suits' as we like to call them (google 'immersion suits' and you'll understand why). After that, we continued learning about boat procedures/anatomy with our watches. B watch looked at the fore sails, learning which lines connect where and what they do.
In the afternoon, our class went on a field trip to NIWA (New Zealand Institute of Water and Atmosphere). At NIWA, New Zealand's NOAA equivalent, we heard presentations from Petra, a manager for the research on Climate, Atmosphere, and Hazards, as well as Maria, a meteorologist, and Jeremy who researches New Zealand's fisheries. A highlight was testing out the green screen and practicing our weather reporting. One thing that the group was impressed by was how NIWA advises government ministries, local and central, throughout New Zealand. After our field trip, we had free time to explore Auckland. Some of us went to the maritime museum or picked up more supplies before our departure on Sunday.
There is so much positive energy on the boat (thanks to the amazing food from our stewards), can't wait to set sail!
S/O to my family and friends!
Signing off,
Sarah Banks Strand
Reactions
Leave a public comment for students and crew to read when they reach their next port and have access to the internet!
Ønsker mitt barnebarn June Helen Strøm Eikeland en fantastisk seilas med mange nye venner ombord. Farmor tenker på deg. Kjempeklem fra farmor i Norge.
Hi Sarah-
We loved reading your BLOG post for the group. We are following any and all news on the Sea Semester website. It sounds like you had good safety and training. We hope your first few days sailing have been wonderful.
We send SO much love and prayers your way each day. xox MOM
Thanks for the post! It’s great to hear about your far away adventures.
Good luck sailors! Looking forward to the next update -
Alexandra (George’s mom)
Fantastic to think of you, Sarah, on that boat, bringing all you have and learning all you can. Thanks for the post and hope all goes well, indeed!
Woo! On the boat! Awesome to hear an update from you. Really glad that everything is… ship shape… . Everyone from Sewanee says hi and is thinking about you. I hope all is well and life on the open ocean is incredible.
Peace and Love, Sal
Ønsker dig en fantastisk tur, søde Amelia