1996 Sea Term

Update

A daily updated, recorded message is available 24 hours at (508) 830-5009.

Sunday, February 25, 1996

"HOME IS THE SAILOR ...HOME FROM THE SEA ." The Patriot State docked at Black Falcon cruise ship terminal at 0915 today to the cheers of thousands of parents, friends , well-wishers, and of course the cadets themselves. The sea term will officially end on Wednesday, when the unloading is completed and the ship is loaned to Maine Maritime for their trip, but it was obviously a big thrill for the cadets and crew to be back in the USA again.

Saturday, February 24, 1996

LATITUDE : 41 degrees 47 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 070 degrees 24 minutes WEST. Approximately 3 Nautical miles southeast of the CC buoy @ the entrance to the east end of the Cape Cod Canal.. Air temp:49. Sea temp : 42. Seas :north @ 3 Foot . Swells :north @3 foot. Wind :north @5 knots. Vessel motion :steady. Weather:overcast, dense fog , rain. Captain's comments for today: " We anchored at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal at 0042 this morning. Today will be spent in final preparations for arrival, final exams for Divisions 1 @ 3 , and a "field day" (major clean up ) about the vessel. Tonight we will celebrate the successful completion of the 9,130 mile voyage with a prime-rib dinner ,with all the fixins, where, instead of having to wear a uniform, you can come to dinner dressed anyway you like.It should be a lot of fun for all. We will pick up the "hook"and get underway again @ 0400 25 Feb and travel to Boston for our planned arrival at the Black Falcon Terminal @ 0900 on 25 Feb."

Friday, February 23, 1996

LATITUDE : 40 degrees 05 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 067 degrees 45 minutes WEST. Approximately 124 Nautical miles southeast of Nantucket. Course ; 298 . Speed ; 16 knots . Air temp:58. Sea temp : 54. Seas :north @ 1 Foot . Swells :north @1 foot. Wind :north @5 knots. Vessel motion :steady. Weather:overcast, dense fog. Captain's comments for today: "Fog happens. Visibility less than 100 yards. Will proceed directly to anchor at the Cape Cod Canal sea bouy( East end). ETA 0100 local time Sat. 24 Feb. Final Exams and final clean-up scheduled for Saturday."

Thursday, February 22, 1996

LATITUDE : 37 degrees 38 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 060 degrees 07 minutes WEST. Approximately 451 Nautical miles southeast of Nantucket. Course ; 270 . Speed ; 16 knots . Air temp:67. Sea temp : 65. Seas :southeast @ 5 Feet . Swells : southeast @ 8 FEET . Wind : southwest @ 20 knots . Vessel motion :steady. Weather: partly cloudy. Captain's comments for today: " Everyone is anxious to see America again. We intend to anchor off the east end of the Cape Cod Canal on Saturday morning ,finish the final exams, conduct lifeboat drills , and wrap up Sea Term '96 .We will transit to Boston for arrival at 0900 at the Black Falcon Terminal on Sunday."

Wednesday, February 21, 1996

LATITUDE : 37 degrees 38 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 051 degrees 38 minutes WEST. Approximately 1150 Nautical miles east of Cape Charles , Va, USA. Course ; 270 . Speed ; 16 knots . Air temp:69. Sea temp : 65. Seas :east @ 5 Feet . Swells : east @ 8 FEET . Wind : eastsoutheast @ 15 knots . Vessel motion :rolling easily. Weather: partly cloudy. Captain's comments for today: "Steel Beach was standing room only again today.Only 1000 miles to go to Boston."

Tuesday, February 20, 1996

LATITUDE : 37 degrees 37 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 043 degrees 51 minutes WEST. Approximately 1531 Nautical miles east of Cape Charles , Va, USA. Course ; 270 . Speed ; 16 knots . Air temp:67. Sea temp : 65. Seas :east @ 6 Feet . Swells : east @ 10 FEET . Wind : east @ 20 knots . Vessel motion :rolling easily. Weather: 3-B's ( Bright, Blue and Beautiful). Captain's comments for today: "Steel Beach was sold out at noon today. Channel fever is spreading like wildfire." Note: "Steel Beach" is the forward portion of the main deck on the ship and it is where the cadets spread out to sunbathe. "channel fever" is the affliction that attacks all sailors when they have been away from home for a long time and are anxious to get back...luckily it is 100% curable by at least one homecooked meal and a night in a familiar bed.

Monday, February 19, 1996

LATITUDE : 37 degrees 37 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 035 degrees 33 minutes WEST. Approximately 1929 Nautical miles east of Cape Charles , Va, USA. Course ; 270 . Speed ; 16 knots . Air temp:59. Sea temp : 63. Seas :east @ 8 Feet . Swells : east @ 10 FEET . Wind : east @ 22 knots . Vessel motion :rolling moderately. Weather: partly cloudy. Captain's comments for today: "A sunny Mass Maritime Day today...not much action...only saw two ships all day."

Sunday, February 18, 1996

LATITUDE : 37 degrees 38 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 027 degrees 24 minutes WEST. Approximately 2318 Nautical miles east ofCape Charles , Va, USA. Course ; 270 . Speed ; 16 knots . Air temp:58. Sea temp : 60. Seas :east @ 6 Feet . Swells : east @ 10 FEET . Wind : east @ 22 knots . Vessel motion :rolling moderately. Weather: 3-B's....Bright, Blue, Beautiful. Captain's comments for today: "Beautiful day here but the wind is still blowing hard from the east. At least it is blowing us in the right direction! "Cook-in" is being well recieved. Basketball tourny and skeet shooting going on now."

Saturday, February 17, 1996

LATITUDE : 36 degrees 40 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 019 degrees 21 minutes WEST. Approximately 270 Nautical miles east of Sao Miguel, Azores. Course ; 280 . Speed ; 16 knots . Air temp:58. Sea temp : 60. Seas :east @ 6 Feet . Swells : east @ 10 FEET . Wind : east @ 22 knots . Vessel motion :rolling moderately. Weather:partly cloudy. Captain's comments for today: "We're getting set for the last cook out/in of sea term '96 tomorrow. East bound ships are reporting heavy weather behind them....we are standing by for more rock'n and rollin Shovel all that snow before we get there."

Friday, February 16, 1996

LATITUDE : 36 degrees 11 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 011 degrees 21 minutes WEST. Approximately 300 Nautical miles west of Gibraltar. Course ; 273 . Speed ; 16 knots . Air temp:61. Sea temp : 61. Seas :east @ 6 Feet . Swells : east @ 10 FEET . Wind : east @ 25 knots . Vessel motion :rolling moderately. Weather:overcast. Captain's comments for today: "There is an early onset of "channel fever" symptons. Hoping for some improvement in the weather. Planning a cook out/in for Sunday...last Sunday at sea.We are especially glad to hear it is snowing at home....get it over with before we get there."

Thursday, February 15, 1996

LATITUDE : 36 degrees 28 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 003 degrees 10 minutes east. Approximately 17 Nautical miles south of La Rabita, Spain. Course ; 256 . Speed ; 16 knots . Air temp:52. Sea temp : 61. Seas :eastnortheast @ 10 Feet . Swells : eastnortheast @ 15 FEET . Wind : eastnortheast @ 45 knots . Vessel motion :rolling moderately. Weather:overcast. Captain's comments for today: "Weather is threatening. Will be in the straits of Gibraltar at 8pm local time tonight.. Anticipate heavy rolling, force 9 winds (41-47 knots).At least we are going with the wind and sea instead of having it in our teeth. Ships inbound to the Med have decided to" heave to "and wait it out ."

Wednesday, February 14, 1996

Patriot State has departed Barcelona, Spain on her return trip to Boston, MA, after what the Captain and crew term, "The best port of Cruise '96." The Captain's comments continue, "The weather was beautiful, no problems ashore, and everyone is broke. Marine Safety and Environmental Protection students have completed BT (bathythermograph) drops and we will take departure at 1200L Expect to be at Gibraltar by 2300L on 15 February."

The Sail Plan for the return voyage is (please note that all times are GMT):

Latitude // Longitude // ETA

36-30.0N// 002-08.0W //15 FEB 1000Z

35-58.0N// 006-12.0W //15 FEB 0030Z

36-51.0N //025-01.0W //18 FEB 1700Z

36-51.0N //060-00.0W// 23 FEB 1600Z

40-35.0N// 068-48.0W //25 FEB 0130Z

42-09.0N// 069-52.0W //25 FEB 1230Z

42-23.0N// 070-54.0W //25 FEB 1230Z

42-22.0N //070-58.0W //25 FEB 1300Z

ETA Boston, MA, (Black Falcon Terminal): 25 Feb, 0800 LOCAL. Docking: 0900 Local.

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Tuesday, February 13, 1996

In port , Barcelona , Spain.This is the ship's last day in this world class Spanish city.The more adventurous aboard will have tried some of the regional cousine including : pulpo (octupus), calamari (squid), Serrano ham (cured on the snows of the Sierra Nevada Mountains), Paella (a rice dish made of saffron and seafood cooked in a big pan), but there is a Mcdonalds for the faint of heart. The night life in Barcelona really "cooks ". The evening meal usually does not start until after 10 pm, and the clubs , discos , and bars stay open until 4 am with music, talk, and excitement.Unbelievably, the citizens of Barcelona still make it to work the next day....after gulping down a few cups of their high octane coffee.Liberty for the cadets will expire early tonight (by 1am for seniors...earlier for underclass) so everyone is ready to get underway at 8am tomorrow (and to make sure everyone gets back aboard and isn't left behind.).The Engineers aboard [ particularly 1/c Eric Simpson (of Puerto Rico) and 1/c Jason Morganelli (of Wrentham, Mass.) who are the ones in charge of fuel oil ] were very busy yesterday as they "gassed up " the ship for the return voyage. "Bunkering" , as the procedure is called in the maritime field, usually takes all day , is hectic, and will cost the Academy over $80,000 as the tanks are topped off for the return across the "pond". The total fuel bill for the 1996 Sea Term will approach $225,000 for the over 8,500 nautical miles travelled by "Captain Murphy and the Cruisers"

Monday, February 12, 1996

In port , Barcelona , Spain. The weather is again beautiful in the city of Barcelona, sunny and warm, with temperatures in the low 60's. there are so many different things to do in Barcelona that most cadets will have some tough choices on their two days off. Favorite spots or activities include: visit the Olympic stadium ( site of the '92 summer games), take a ride on the cable car that goes across the city ( at an altitude of over 200 feet), visit the Spanish village ( a re-creation of many different types of architecture and famous buildings around Spain), see the Maritime Museum, go to the church that Columbus prayed at prior to setting off to the "new world" , visit the new Aquarium, go "tappas hopping " (free snacks offered at bars between 6pm and 9pm . Each bar has a different specialty and the locals roam from place to place sampling the fare and sipping wine before they go to dinner- 10 pm or later for most Spaniards) , go see the famous Church of the Holy Family ( an unbelievably ornate church with many tall, pointy spires), walk the Ramblas (the main shopping district , consisting of tree lined streets, with shops along both sides. Families love to walk up and down the street,everyone all dressed up, and "people watching " is the name of the game until the wee hours of the morning). Shopping in the city is terrific, with special buys on leather , lace , glass, and jewelry.

Sunday, February 11, 1996

Arrival Barcelona Spain at 0800 local time today . Buenos Dias ! The weather in the city is beautiful,temps in the low 60's , bright sunny skies. Captain's comments :" Barcelona has grown since our last call. The port ,in particular , has expanded tremendously. We are right downtown at the foot of the Ramblas . The new Aquarium is just across the quay from us by the Columbus monument. Everything is within walking distance. Barcelona is EXCELLENT!"

Saturday, February 10, 1996

LATITUDE : 41 degrees 18 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 012 degrees 12 minutes east. Approximately 2 Nautical miles southeast of the Barcelona breakwater.. Air temp:59. Sea temp : 61. Seas :0 Feet . Swells : 0 FEET . Wind : north @ 6 knots . Vessel motion :steady. Weather:overcast. Captain's comments for today: "At anchor. Phase two Exams ended today. Docking at 0800 tomorrow."

Friday, February 9, 1996

LATITUDE : 41 degrees 17 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 008 degrees 07 minutes east. Approximately 13 Nautical miles northeast of Punta dello Scorno, Sardinia Italy. Course ; 270 . Speed ; 11 knots . Air temp:53. Sea temp : 61. Seas :north @ 6 Feet . Swells : north @ 14 FEET . Wind : north @ 20 knots . Vessel motion :pitching heavily. Weather: sunny and clear. Captain's comments for today: "Beautiful sunrise passage through the straits of Bonificio. Encountering MAMMOTH swells generated by gale force winds in the Gulf of Lions. Expect to anchor off Barcelona before noon tomorrow if weather abates tonight. Oral exams for the end of this phase of training will continue tomorrow along with lifeboat/survival training."

Thursday, February 8, 1996

LATITUDE : 40 degrees 40 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 013 degrees 47 minutes EAST. Approximately 5 nautical miles Southwest of Isola D'Ischia, just outside of the Gulf of Naples, Italy. Course: 282 True. Speed: 12 knots. Air temp: 52. Sea temp: 62. Seas: North @ 3 Feet. Wind: North @ 12 knots. Vessel motion:Steady. Weather:sunny and clear. Captain's comments for today: "Phase examinations underway for the next two days.Fire and Boat drill at 1600 today.We are Westbound (homebound direction) towards the straits of Bonificio. Should transit the passage at sunrise tomorrow. Intend to anchor off the Harbor of Barcelona and conduct lifeboat training on Saturday. Will dock on schedule Sunday morning."

Wednesday, February 7, 1996

In port, Naples Italy.Today is the last day of liberty in Italy for Division 1 and 2. Everyone is making their way back to the ship from Rome, the Italian alps, Sorrento and Capri.The tours to Rome were terriffic . Although the weather has been mostly cloudy with temperatures in the low 50's and occasional rain, it did not stop anyone from having a good time.Sights that got the highest ratings from the people aboard ship were: the Vatican, the Coliseum, the Roman forum , Mt. Vesuvius, and the ruins of Pompeii. Unfortunately, there was no snow on the Italian Alps so the ski trip was cancelled. One amusing event occurred on the first overnight trip to Rome...it seems the cadets had a TOGA party at the hotel where they stayed. It had the hotel management still shaking their heads and muttering "crazy Americans" the next day when the second tour group showed up.AHHHHHHH sailors on Liberty . Note: if you want to send money to someone on the ship for Barcelona, contact Mrs. Sharon Bosworth with your credit card # at (508) 830-5686. If you want to know when your sailor can get off the ship in Boston when the PATRIOT STATE returns; all cadets and crew will know their watch and duty schedule prior to the ship's arrival in Barcellona and everyone will be instructed to communicate that information home from Spain. Please be patient, and remember that there is a lot of work to do when the ship docks in the USA. The Sea term does not officially end until Wednesday, 28 Feb., and most people will have some duty assignments during that time..

Tuesday, February 6, 1996

In port, Naples Italy.We did not get a fax from the ship today. Looks like everyone , including the Captain is on an extended liberty in Rome . Tune in tomorrow for more updates.

Monday, February 5, 1996

In port, Naples Italy.BUON GIORNO ! The Patriot State is docked at berth #5 Stazione Marittima right in the heart of the old city of Naples and directly across from famous Mt. Vesuvius. . 1/c Marina Gaglias had the Con when the ship arrived and , according to the Captain, she was especially pleased because she did a wonderful job on a complex maneuver( where the ship was turned 180 degrees and backed into the berth) and she was at least 2 inches taller than the Napolli Pilot. Over 200 cadets , all decked out in in their dress uniforms, lined the rails of the Patriot State when she entered the beautiful bay of Naples. 104 cadets left on an overnight trip to Rome Sunday just after the ship cleared customs and three full bus loads left this morning . These tours are conducted by the USO in Naples and were extremely well received last year. Not only do they include all of the usual sights in the Eternal City, but the Cadets don't have to come back to the ship as long as they are on the tour .....so they love the extra 5 or 6 hours of liberty.

Sunday, February 4, 1996

In port, Naples Italy. The Patriot State docked in the city of Naples at 0900 local time . After clearing Customs , the Cadets , Officers , and Crew not on Watch were granted liberty and took off for the sights of Rome (4 hours away ), Pompeii (an ancient city buried by an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D.), the island of Capri ( with the famous Blue Grotto) , or just wandered around the City of Naples, one of the oldest seaports in Italy and one with a lot of character.

Saturday, February 3, 1996

LATITUDE : 41 degrees 16 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 010 degrees 11 minutes EAST. Approximately 180 nautical miles west of Rome, Italy. Course: 102 True. Speed: 11 knots. Air temp: 56. Sea temp: 55. Seas: West @ 6 Feet. Wind: West @ 25 knots. Vessel motion: Rolling moderately. Weather:: overcast, rain and fog.. Captain's comments for today: "Passage through the straits of Bonafacio went very well. Cadets did a great job navigating and maneuvering in the busy passage."Channel Fever" is epidemic, looks like Rome or bust. 350 cadets bound for the Eternal City. They are excited."

Friday, February 2, 1996

LATITUDE : 40 degrees 16 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 004 degrees 11 minutes EAST. Approximately 10 nautical miles north of Cabo de Caballeria, Menorca, Spain. Course: 073 True. Speed: 13.3 knots. Air temp: 62. Sea temp: 58. Seas: West @ 6 Feet. Wind: West @ 25 knots. Vessel motion: Rolling moderately. Weather: Broken overcast with occasional rain squalls. Captain's comments for today: "Completed a navigational tour through the Baleric Islands. Currently bound for the Straits of Bonafacio between Corsica and Sardinia. Will pass through the straits at sunrise. Pre-port briefings tonight."

Thursday, February 1, 1996

LATITUDE : 38 degrees 07 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 000 degrees 06 minutes west. Approximately 22 nautical miles east of Alicante, Spain. Course: various. Speed: 12.6 knots. Air temp: 60. Sea temp: 61. Seas: East @ 3 Feet . Wind: East @ 10 knots. Vessel motion: Pitching easily. Weather: overcast with rain & fog. Captain's comments for today: "Forecast winds to gale force 9 in the Gulf of Lions for the next two days. Casino Night tonight ~ Pre-port briefings will start tomorrow."

Wednesday, January 31, 1996

LATITUDE : 36 degrees 02 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 005 degrees 13 minutes west. Approximately 8 Nautical miles southeast of the rock of Gibraltar. Course ; various . Speed ; 14 knots . Air temp:56. Sea temp : 63. Seas : East @ 2 Feet . Wind : East @ 6 knots . Vessel motion :steady. Weather: overcast,occasional light rain, fog. Captain's comments for today: "We saw the ROCK through a peep-hole in the fog.from about three miles off. Went on a little sight-seeing tour. The cadets and crew enjoyed the passage through the straits. Cadet 1/c Gus Caldwell and 1/c James Walsh had the con on the transit. They did a great job! All that practice going through the striates in the simulator really paid off."

Tuesday, January 30, 1996

LATITUDE : 33 degrees 02 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 10 degrees 20 minutes west. Approximately 140 Nautical miles southwest of Casablanca, Morocco . Course ; 048 . Speed ; 16 knots . Air temp:63. Sea temp : 62. Seas : NW @ 2 Feet . Wind : SW @ 8 knots . Vessel motion : rolling easily. Weather: overcast,occasional light rain. Captain's comments for today: "We should make the striates of Gibraltar by daybreak tomorrow (Wed 31 Jan). Sightseeing around the Pillars of Hercules."

Monday, January 29, 1996

LATITUDE : 28 degrees 51 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 15 degrees 38 minutes west. Approximately 30 Nautical miles northeast of Tenerife , Canary Islands. Course ; 048 . Speed ; 13 knots . Air temp:68. Sea temp : 67. Seas : NNW @ 4 Feet . Wind : NNW @ 8 knots . Vessel motion : rolling moderately. Captain's comments for today: "Admiral Mitchell is working on his sea legs. Cadet behavior was excellent in port. They toured the Island and enjoyed the sights and the food. Cadets resume training day 11 . All are aboard and well. " Back to work.

Sunday, January 28, 1996

In port , Santa Cruz de Tenerife .Weather ; mostly cloudy, with passing rain squalls. Wind : northwest 20 knots Temp: 60-65 . Division 1 and 2 have liberty , division 3 has the watch. Captain's comments :" One minor rental car crunch, no injuries. Two cadets had their passports stolen from their rental cars , another had his ring and watch stolen. No injuries, No other problems . Making preparations to get underway at 0900 local time (0500 EST) on Monday . "

Saturday, January 27, 1996

In port , Santa Cruz de Tenerife .Weather ; mostly cloudy, with passing rain squalls. Wind : northwest 25 knots Temp: 66-70 . Division 2 and 3 have liberty , division 1 has the watch. Captain's comments : Liberty went well last night . Cadets really enjoyed Tenerife. Forty rent-a-cars sortied and all returned safely...only two more nights. "

Friday, January 26, 1996

In port , Santa Cruz de Tenerife . LIBERTY CALL, LIBERTY CALL !!!!!!! Division 1 and 3 , officers and crew went on liberty today at 10:00 a.m. , following customs clearance. Division 2 will hold down the fort today but will have the next two days off. This is the first time the Patriot State has visited the Canary Islands since she called there in 1988. Located only a few hundred miles off the coast of Morocco, on the "hump" of Africa's west coast, the Islands are owned by Spain. Tenerife is the largest of the 7 islands in the chain and has an extinct volcano that rises to over 12,000 feet above sea level. The towns are quaint and very similar to what you would see in the countryside of Spain. Lush tropical vegetation is everywhere , particularly banana plantations and exotic fruit trees. The beaches are probably going to be the big draw; people from all over Europe (particularly Scandinavia) fly to these islands to escape the grip of winter...many forget to bring all of their bathing suits though.

Thursday, January 25, 1996

LATITUDE : 28 degrees 21 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 16 degrees 12 minutes west. Approximately 8 Nautical miles east of Tenerife Rhodes, Canary Islands.. Air temp:65. Sea temp : 67. Vessel motion : Steady. Captain's comments for today: "BT drops for MSEP today. All hands anxious for liberty, so close and yet so far away . French Naval ships entered harbor today as we were pulling up the anchor. Nick Mennillo (food service director ) has offered a 200 dollar prize to the first fish caught while underway. Captain's inspection today for all cadets."

Wednesday, January 24, 1996

LATITUDE : 28 degrees 28 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 16 degrees 14 minutes west. At anchor in Tenerife Rhodes, Canary Islands.. Air temp:73. Sea temp : 66. Vessel motion : Steady. Captain's comments for today: "Lifeboat qualifications and written, practical and oral exams underway.

Tuesday, January23, 1996

LATITUDE : 28 degrees 15 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 015 degrees 31 minutes west. Approx 10 nautical miles east of Tenerife . Course: 233 . Speed: 10 knots. Sea conditions : northwest @ 8 feet . Wind: northwest @ 20 knots . Swells northwest at 10 feet. Air temp:73. Sea temp : 66. Vessel motion : rolling moderately . Captain's comments for today: "Arrived in the land of volcanoes. Some reach up to 12100 feet (pico de Teide on Tenerife) with ocean depths over 1 mile deep 1/4 mile from shore. Lots to see on our Canary Island navigation tour". [note: Even though the ship has arrived in the vacinity of the Islands, she will not dock early. The captain will maneuver around the various Islands giving day/night piloting experience to the Deck cadets and maneuvering practice to the Engine cadets.Patriot State will dock at Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 0900 local time (0400 our time) on Friday 26 Jan. ]

Monday, January22, 1996

LATITUDE : 29 degrees 06 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 023 degrees 12 minutes west. Approx 221 nautical miles west of Tenerife . Course: 091 . Speed: 16 knots. Sea conditions : northwest @ 10 feet . Wind: northwest @ 20 knots . Swells northwest at 15 feet. Air temp:70. Sea temp : 67. Vessel motion : rolling heavily in quarterly seas . Captain's comments for today: "Rough night last night, no one got any sleep. Increased speed to get to the islands tonight and find a lee to allow all to" rack out" tonight. Navigation exercises tomorrow."

Sunday, January 21, 1996

LATITUDE : 29 degrees 11 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 026 degrees 14 minutes west. Approx 521 nautical miles west of Tenerife . Course: 095 . Speed: 16 knots. Sea conditions : northwest @ 10 feet . Wind: northwest @ 30 knots . Swells northwest at 10 feet. Air temp:75. Sea temp : 66. Vessel motion :heaving and rolling heavily . Captain's comments for today: "Canceled the cookout due to heavy weather. The charcoal grills would have been impossible to control. We are having a cook-in , gingham tablecloths and all ! Consumption of cook out fare is apparently not a function of venue...cadets are eating everything in sight ! "

Saturday, January 20, 1996

LATITUDE : 29 degrees 44 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 033 degrees 07 minutes west. Approx 890 nautical miles west of Tenerife . Course: 095 . Speed: 14 knots. Sea conditions : eastnortheast @ 5 feet . Wind: east northeast @ 10 knots . Swells east at 5 feet. Air temp: 68. Sea temp : 66. Vessel motion : rolling easily. Captain's comments for today: "The wind has finally subsided and everyone is looking forward to the big cook out on Sunday. A minor out break of flu is keeping the Doctor and the Nurses busy ... its cutting into their suntanning time.."

Friday, January 19, 1996

LATITUDE : 30 degrees 12 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 039 degrees 42 minutes west. Approx 1236 nautical miles west of Tenerife . Course: 095 . Speed: 14 knots. Sea conditions : eastnortheast @ 12 feet . Wind: east northeast @30 knots . Swells east northeast at 15 feet. Air temp: 69. Sea temp : 66. Vessel motion : rolling moderately. Captain's comments for today: "Wind remains strong and gusting to Force 7 from the east. No signs of abatement. Spirits high - Training going well. Timed arrival at sunrise Tuesday. Should make landfall around 0500 off La Palma. Will conduct navigation and lifeboat exercises around the islands. Cookout on Sunday."

Thursday, January 18, 1996

LATITUDE : 30 degrees 40 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 045 degrees 53 minutes west. Approx 1550 nautical miles west of Tenerife . Course: 095 . Speed: 14 knots. Sea conditions : east @ 10 feet . Wind: east @30 knots . Swells east northeast at 12 feet. Air temp: 70. Sea temp : 60. Vessel motion : pitching moderately. Captain's comments for today: " Time changes and ocean motion are taking their toll. Everyone is a little weary. Food consumption still incredible so things cant be all that bad. Looks like we are going to rock'n roll all the way to Tenerife. "

Wednesday, January 17, 1996

LATITUDE : 31 degrees 10 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 052 degrees 01 minutes west. Approx 715 nautical miles east of Bermuda . Course: 095 . Speed: 15 knots. Sea conditions : east @ 6-8 feet . Wind: east @15 knots . Air temp: 72 . Sea temp : 69. Vessel motion : rolling moderately. Captain's comments for today: " Mid-ocean passage going smoothly . All hands have their sea-legs by now. Just in time ! Strong gusting winds ahead.. "

Tuesday, January 16, 1996

LATITUDE : 31 degrees 41 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 058 degrees 43 minutes west. Approx 324 nautical miles east of Bermuda . Course: 095 . Speed: 15 knots. Sea conditions : northeast @ 10 feet . Wind: northeast @10 knots . Air temp: 71 . Sea temp : 66. Vessel motion : steady. Captain's comments for today: " Advanced clocks last night. Four more time changes before we get to Tenerife. Beautiful sunny day steaming across the Horse Latitudes. Spirits are high ; all is well . "

Monday, January 15, 1996

LATITUDE : 32 degrees 33 minutes north. LONGITUDE : 065 degrees 19 minutes west. Approx 20 nautical miles northwest of Bermuda . Course: 152 . Speed: 15 knots. Sea conditions : west @ 4-6 feet . Wind: west @ 15 knots . Air temp: 72 . Sea temp : 68. Vessel motion : rolling easily. Captain's comments for today: "Landfall off Gibbs Hill , Bermuda @ 1120 . Turning East, just south of Bermuda for transatlantic passage by 1400. Sea conditions have subsided. Cadets and Crew are recovering from a minor outbreak of seasickness. Prognosis for full recovery by supper looks good . "

Sunday, January 14, 1996

Day two on the sea term is spent in practicing emergency drills, getting oriented to the shipboard routine, and finding out what didn't get tied down before they left... Because this is Sunday, most people get to sleep in. Brunch is served in the mess deck until 1300 (1 pm ) , but locker inspections, personnel inspections and hold (the large sleeping areas on the ship ) inspections will begin after dinner and remind everyone that this is no pleasure cruise and there is a lot of work ahead.

Saturday, January 13, 1996

Patriot State departed on schedule at 2:38 p.m. today enroute to Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. A full complement of parents, family, and friends was on hand as the 517 cadets, crew and staff departed State Pier. The ship left its berth and headed south to warmer waters and a smoother ride. She will be off Bermuda by Monday for the easterly leg to the Canaries.

Friday, January 12, 1996

The Master has determined that weather conditions will allow a Saturday departure as previously scheduled at 2:30 p.m. All safety drills were completed today to the complete satisfaction of the U.S. Coast Guard. 417 cadets and 85 faculty, staff, and crew are embarked and anxious to get underway.
Family and friends are invited aboard the Patriot State tomorrow from 9:00a.m. to noon. Most cadets will have liberty during this time frame. Coffee and pastries will be available in the dormitory dining hall from 10:00 a.m. until the ship's departure.

Thursday, January 11, 1996

Completed stores loading. All students have reported aboard. Engine room repairs have been completed. Decision to sail will be made tomorrow at 1200.

Wednesday, January 10, 1996

Severe weather continues to make loading the ship's stores difficult. Voltage regulator for ship's electrical generator is undergoing repairs. First day of practice coast guard drills went well. Final Drills for USCG will be held at 1000 Friday, mandatory for all hands.

Tuesday, January 9, 1996

Over 350 cadets reported aboard today. Many are stranded in airports up and down the East Coast as a result of the blizzard. Today's activities involve moving aboard, completing paperwork, meetings and lectures. The watch schedule has commenced. Ship's stores loading will begin tomorrow.

Monday, January 8, 1996

Cruise '96 is off to a memorable start! Due to the Blizzard, Cadet registration, which was scheduled for today, has been postponed until Tomorrow, January 9th. Cadets who arrive today will find that the ship has been lit off since last Friday, and that light, heat, and meals are all available aboard ship. This delay is not expected to prevent the ship from sailing on Saturday as scheduled.

Created: January 8, 1996 by Rick Gurnon
Expires: March 1, 1996