Crossing the Drake Passage

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Was on watch last night from 4-8pm.  After a wonderful dinner (the galley crew is AMAZING!!) most of our team went straight to be because we were on watch again from 4-8am!

Our last sight of land for three days.

It was nice and dry, a decent breeze, and behind us in the distance we could see the last of Cape Horn. This is the last of land we will see for about 3 days as we cross the Drake Passage!

Under sail!

Last night it was found that one of the yard arms was breaking.  It was brought down, a monumental task, and will be worked on to see if it can be repaired.  We cannot use that sail or any above it until it is fixed.   The crew will work on most of the repair while we are in Antarctica.  Then Europa will have to go into the docks for a bit of time when she returns… in Argentina?

We were able to set sail and have been sailing most of the day.  When under sail with good winds like this, the boat heels quite a way over.  It makes walking a challenge!  The crew has put up guide lines for us to grab as we walk.  Very helpful!!

Emma at the helm.

The compass.

Interesting to look at stuff hanging at an angle, people walking at an angle and even the coffee in the cups at an angle!  One of the rules we are to follow is “one hand for you, one for the ship”.  So true now!  If you try to walk without holding on, you are going to probably go flying!  I am sure I have some new bruises just from banging into the opposite wall while trying to walk.  

Showing rudder angle.

Today we had a nice lecture from Gordi on birds of Antarctica.  This afternoon Annuka presented a lecture on the biology of the region.  Very interesting stuff!  Krill is very amazing!

We were on watch again from 2-4 pm.  During our bout at helming, Emma and I got complimented on staying on a good heading.  Much easier to do while under sail, but still not easy!  “Tonight” we go back on watch at midnight until 4am.  That is one of the hardest, little sleep beforehand, then have to get up.  But at least we can go back to sleep after watch!

Look at the tea in the cup!!  The tilt is due to the ship heeling as we sail!

As we heel, the water washes up on deck.

I have been really sleepy during these days on the ship.  Not normal for me!  Grabbing naps whenever possible, but never seeming to be enough.  All this bracing fresh air, some work, lots of good food… but finally realized the culprit:  taking seasickness medication!  I was taking it as a preventative.  I have never been seasick, but have never done a trip like this so I thought it best to be proactive.  But we have been through some big swells, and no problems, so I will stop taking it.  

Others have not fared so well, and we have several people that have not felt well for most of the trip so far.  Including three on our watch team.  I hope they feel better soon!

Well off to shower before dinner.  Will want a short sleep before starting the midnight watch!

Stacy, Vet at Sea