Life At Sea...

Actual Date of Events: October

“Once upon a time there was crazy Captain of the infamous pirate ship the Ferdinand who became the most famous Cockroach killer in the South Seas! But that's another story!”

Josh Craig

Not sure of what to expect, land soon disappeared from the horizon and so began my sailing saga. Shortly after we lost sight of land, I recall Josh looking rather green and dashing for the side to reveal explosive green chunks. Fortunately I had come prepared and had expensive and effective seasickness medication. Not needing them myself, Josh placed the magic patch behind his ear as instructed and soon acquired sufficient sea legs. Aside from Josh’s occasional sickness between changing these patches, there were no other incidents of sea sicknesses; that is until our final passage in which the crew and fortitude of our boat became seriously tested, but that I will speak about later.

In order to avoid potentially dangerous situations, it was required that somebody be in the cockpit steering the course and scanning the horizon at all times. Though unlikely, this is necessary in order to avoid colliding with other boats, floating object, or treacherous reef. Apparently it has happened many times that massive shipping boats arrive in harbor to find the sails of boats, similar to the Ferdinand wrapped around their propeller. Not an appealing way to disappear. Dirty Dave also told stories of Whales slamming into sailing boats leaving them nearly inoperable and the number of boats that sink on account of hitting reef every year. Thus, while on one’s watch it is very important to stay alert.

This required that the twenty-four hour day be divided into four shifts. Marina, being the only lady on board had first choice and chose 6-9 am/pm. Dave took 9-12 am/pm of course, leaving the two worst shifts to Josh and myself. Josh took 12-3 am/pm and I was left with the 3-6 am/pm shift. This proved to be a very challenging watch for many reasons. Marina was rewarded with sunsets and many sunrises on her watch, not to mention quality sleeping hours. Dave whose watch was next would begin decently, but when Josh’s hour approached he could be heard yelling, “Josh, Josh, Josh, Josh…” In his nasally voice “your watch asshole”. In Josh’s Blog he writes, “You scan the horizon for any lights of ships or approaching squalls and try to steer the course without letting the forward sail called the jib flap too much. Otherwise an angry naked man will appear to demand what your course is”.

This made it very difficult to sleep and usually I would awaken at 12 am, only sleeping again an hour or two from 6-8am when the sun would graze my face and wake me up. There were benefits however to these ungodly hours in which I was responsible. No distracting, cluttered, bright city lights. No bustling college parties, bars or nightlife. No sirens, barking dogs, or squealing vehicles. No television, radio, Internet or media of any sort. Dead silence. There was something indescribably unique and beautiful, having the ability to escape all of these attributes of life and be alone on deck staring up at the exposed universe. I don’t believe there is anywhere more beautiful to view the stars in complete thought than a clear moonless night in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Also at night is an immaculate display of phosphorescent plankton, which glistens as the boat breaks its way through the sea. Leaning over the side of the boat reveals an impressive show of thousands of neon green lights that flash as if dancing to the sounds of firecrackers; a sight that I do not believe can be fairly described as to its true beauty.

Among the many other beautiful occurrences at night an occasional squall would engulf the boat and the most fascinating change of weather could be observed. It would spark a drastic change from dreadfully rough seas to a completely flat body of water; the stillness of the water only being broken by the torrential raindrops colliding into the pristine calm mirror like water. This interaction would create the most vividly stunning presentation of beauty between the relationship of the rain and sea. It is now clear to me why many sailors never return to their previous lives after having seen and experienced all the beauty of the ocean.

As for the daily routines, we’d eat, sleep and well…hmmm. Aside from the occasional sail change, and weather pending the days were spent reading, attempting guitar, or trying to catch a fish while dragging a line; ultimately pretty lazy days in paradise. The only real potential improvement would be better company, other than that life at sea can be very peaceful.

I’ll leave this chapter with another quote from my fellow mate Josh, whom I feel has a very nice way of revealing the true humor of our journey. “After 5 days in the twilight zone of eat, sleep, and watch we sighted the peaks of Rarotonga [Cook Islands] in the distance to cheers from the crew. None of us had yet succumbed to agoraphobia- the opposite of claustrophobia and none had yet fulfilled Cap'n Dave's prophecy that by the end of the trip we would all be nudists!”