Finally this evening the winds have started to decrease.  For the past four or five days we had been working our way through rough seas and swells driven by strong winds.  Everybody has had to adapt; simply walking involves more effort and utilizes more muscles.  Tomorrow is a big day, as we will launch two ARGO buoy’s, one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon.  We also have other activities planned.

The wind should continue to decrease all through the night.  This is good as we will be barbequing tomorrow (for dinner).  Sundays, whenever possible and if our busy schedules permit, are reserved for this.  It will be the first time that most (but not all) of the crew will be able to, at least for a couple hours, relax.  A few will fish, others will read, many will listen to music, and some will just kick back!!  They deserve it as they have been working hard for the last 10 days.

Tomorrow will also be a big day as the Training Ship GOLDEN BEAR has been asked to participate in a very special project.   I received the following email from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) explaining a little about this project:  

This is the second time in the last two years that the crew of the GOLDEN BEAR has been asked to help launch ARGO floats.  So far we have launched 10 buoys and tomorrow’s makes it twelve.

 We are proud to participate.  Thank you NOAA!!  Please check tomorrow’s “Follow the Voyage” for photos of the launch. 

 First Class Cadets Lisa Reilly and Nikolas Reyer practice disassembling then reassembling a Lube Oil Purifier. 

 Third Class Cadets practice their Marlinspike Seamanship. 

 Third Class Cadet Levan Akitaya