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
February 14, 2018
Drinking from the Fire Hose of Learning
Listening to our tour guides explain their Kiwi's history
Ship's Log
Current Position
36° 50.493’ S, 174° 45.844’ E; Auckland, NZ
Ship’s Heading & Speed
Docked at Princes Wharf
Weather
Overcast, Clouds 7/8, Winds N, Force 2
Hello friends! Today not only marks Valentine's Day here in NZ, but also our first full day on the ship. We started the morning off by splitting up to do some more training. We spent last night doing the "orientation station rotation" at which we filled our brains to the brim with new boat knowledge, including how to do an hourly boat check and check the engine room. This morning was a little more hands- on. Those of us on B watch learned how to furl the jib, which meant we got to put our harnesses on and get our hands dirty for the first time. So exciting! The other watches cleaned the galley and completed the daily chores. Then we were all off to visit the grounds of the Ngati Whatua Orakei Maori community in Auckland. Boy were they beautiful! We learned a lot about the history of the tribe from our wonderful tour guides, especially how hard they had to fight to regain the land they lost. They showed us around their beautiful and well- maintained grounds which included their marae, plant nursery, memorial, and beehives.
It was all astounding, and gave us our first view of some of the subjects we studied so diligently back in Woods Hole.
After an afternoon off (filled with ice cream, art museums, and exploring), we enjoyed dinner on the deck together. Shortly after, we were back to learning! B watch cleaned the galley and prepared to stand our first night of dock watch, while the other groups learned more about the emergency procedures and the lab. Our brains are practically overflowing with all the information we are receiving! We really are "drinking from the fire hose of learning," as some of the mates have been saying, and we are hoping to retain all of this knowledge for when we start sailing in just a few short days. I think I speak for all of us when I say we are super excited to get out into the open waters! We've got a big adventure ahead; stay tuned!
- Summer Stafford, B Watch, University of Redlands
P.S. Madison-Happy (late) 1 Year! I love you!
Reactions
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Wizard- Here with your fam (even the NY crew). Hope all is well. We are watching your trip from afar. Remember to keep your sea legs. Drop us a line when you can-Uncle Mike (The next message will be in Morse Code)
Hello friend, hello friend, hello friend. (for Summer, lines from a favorite Trevor Hall song “Uncle Joe”).