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May 2, 2002
Vessel Data
Status: Arrival Nuku Hiva, French Marquesas
Weather:
 Air Temperature: 86°F
Humidity: 90%
Wind: E 15-20 knots
Clouds: Cumulous
Sea Temperature: 81°F
Currents:
Water Depth:
Sunrise:
Sunset:
Aboard the TSGB
Day 11
Daily operation:
 Today was the first exciting day for all of the new sailors. As they awoke at 0530, they observed a green tropical volcanic island jetting
out of the otherwise empty ocean. After 3800 miles, the ship had found Baie Taiohae (Taiohae bay) on the island of Nuku Hiva in the
Marquises. The island of Nuku Hiva is mountainous and rises to a height of 1186m (3700 ft.) above sea level. Numerous waterfalls can be seen on the north and south sides.
A French Administrator resides in Nuku Hiva and is
the chief official of the island group. He reports to the French High Commissioner headquartered in Papeete, Tahiti.
 It is a busy day on the Golden Bear,
which starts at about 0000 (midnight). At 0530, the ship begins its approach into the very small harbor to find a safe anchorage. For the engineering cadets, arrival is an
important evolution in their training.
 By 0640, the ship is anchored and the deck cadets start rigging the gangway, boat loading platform, and launching the shore boats.
 By 0800, the first boatload of 50 students is on its way to paradise.
 After about 5 boat runs, everyone who can be spared
from the ship operation and the shore boat operation is ashore discovering a new land.
 TheMarquesas Islands are not visited often by outsiders other than the occasional yacht traveling south. The islands
are very remote and far from any main tourist area. EvenTahiti is 900 miles away.
 After a day of exploration and meeting with the local natives, the ship’s boats start returning students to the ship at 1515 (3:15pm).
By 5 pm, the last boat is headed toward the ship and unloaded, hoisted aboard, and at 5:30, the ship heaved its anchor. By
6:15, the ship is headed clear of the small harbor and to sea. Next stop: Tahiti.
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