Today was the last full day of our impromptu stop in Napier. A few days ago, we looked forward to today being the end of our longest segment at sea, as the original plan had us arriving in Wellington today. Instead, we have spent the last three days enjoying Napier, a mid-size beach town in Hawke’s Bay.

We woke up bright and early to two new views: a sea lion, and the Ovation of the Seas! Here we were, dwarfed in comparison to this massive cruise ship. It was quite the sight in this industrial logging port.

Today, B-watch took the deck at 1300 after most of us slept in until lunchtime due to our long evening watch the previous night. Morale was a bit low, as the rough seas we have been facing have taken a toll on both our bodies and our original plan for out course track. Our morning was spent preparing for the notorious pin rail race that would be happening during class time at 1430.

According to my watch, it’s Monday, so I hope everyone had a nice weekend.  Sunday on the Robert C. Seamans was spent sailing around Whakaari, an active volcano.  That morning, having slept through breakfast after midwatch, I woke up to the sight of Whakaari framed by my bunk’s porthole.

Today marks day two of our passage to Wellington. Despite the watch officer transition yesterday, things have been running smoothly and everyone is happily settling into life offshore once again.

Today was day one of our 12-day sail from Russell down to Wellington.  The near future is both exciting and daunting as we will not set foot on land for the next two weeks or so.  With that being said, everyone is settling back into the groove of being on a watch schedule and adjusting well to life at sea after being anchored for two nights.

Finally having a full day in port after a long week of learning the ropes (pun), the crew was ready to fill our one full day in the Bay of Islands with as much as we could before setting off on the long journey to Wellington. The day was to be separated into three main activities; a tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, “research time,” and dinner back aboard the Robert C. Seamans with important guests that were friends of Professor Jeff Wescott.

Day four of sailing, and we’re already accustomed to life at sea! It took a few days for a couple of us to gain our sea legs, myself included. Some waves are bigger than others, and I definitely could feel the bigger waves. But now, the gentle rocking, the unbalanced moments, and everything else the Pacific has to offer us, can now be fully embraced.

A 21st birthday celebration on land is deceivingly similar to that underway. Full of well wishes, tasty cakes, reflection, and likely some vomiting. I began my morning with a watch shift, where we made sure the boat was safe and secure and that all was well as the sun rose.

Only one day remains until we get underway! The excitement about setting off and going out to sea is becoming more tangible, as that time and date draws ever nearer.