Beautiful sunset from the bow last night. Photo credit: Emma

Dear family, friends, and all other wonderful people reading this blog,

Over the past few days we have been getting some great wind and doing lots of sailing, putting away lots of miles! Last night we finally left Spain’s EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) and now are on the international high seas of the Atlantic where the sailing and science are free. We have also been experiencing lots of big waves rolling the ship around, especially today. 

There were some good 9-10 foot waves that have come through creating our own little roller coaster, but on roller coasters you are stationary, strapped in and not going about everyday life. We were still able to do the CTD deployment. The trick for doing this deployment is to watch the sets of waves coming toward the boat and make the timing just right so the equipment can be put in the water during a flatter section without swinging around.

With the constant movement and rolling of the boat, everything gets a lot more difficult and I have been amazed at how everything on board is designed to stay in place and not completely crash about though it sometimes there are still loud noises from the galley of dishes and pans clanging back and forth. One of these unique designs are the gimbled tables in the main saloon which stay level even when the boat is rolling back and forth-they keep our food on the table and not the floor- always a good thing!

Some of my observations first time out in the middle of the ocean: The color of the water is the most beautiful blue I have ever seen and I’m really not sure how to describe it.  Bioluminescence is like the water is filled with bluegreen sparklers. Sailing at night under the stars and moonlight is incredibly beautiful and peaceful! And seeing dolphins and any other sort of animals out here is really exciting- during morning watch today, we saw a large group of spinner dophins which put on a personal dolphin show for us! Also, our stewards are amazing and have been cooking us so much delicious food!

Captain Jason would like to wish his mother-in-law a very happy birthday!

Also, I want to wish my mother a very happy belated birthday!! Sending love and happy adventures to all my family and friends! To my mermaid, surfing, ocean-loving people, I wish you were here with me, because you all would love this.

Fair winds,
Anna