As of 0800 this morning the Patriot State was located at 10 degrees 17minutes north latitude, 79 degrees 34 minutes west longitude, steering a course of 129 degrees true at a speed of 12.5 knots. The weather was a hot 84 degrees, under partly cloudy skies. A north easterly breeze was blowing at 4 knots. The seas were moderate. She had 2910 meters of water beneath the keel with a surface temperature of 82 degrees.

Captain's Log

Oh to feel the trade winds again! After nearly two weeks of light airs and three days of following wind, the breeze feels great. We're reminded as to why the Spanish galleons wintered in Cartegena. The Panama Canal is behind us and the fueling operation and transit were delightfully uneventful. Last evening we had a choice. Either stand on deck and observe the eighth wonder of the world at night, or go to the Las Vegas night. I choose the former, I don't think I had a choice. However, those who chose to "gamble" had a wonderful time. The Student Government Association sponsors the annual event. They decorate the after mess deck to resemble a casino, the dealers are festooned with the traditional green visors, and the monopoly money is wagered with all the fan fair that one would find in a real casino. Much popcorn is consumed and the drink machines get a workout and then, it's back to work.

The transit was far less distracting this time. The bridge was quiet as only Leo Icaza (MMA93), a step three pilot (which means that he can pilot ships less than 525 feet in length) was aboard as pilot observer. He used Patriot State to gain experience and qualify to pilot larger vessels. He did a great job and even brought the ship into Pedro Miguel without the aid of a tug. When I asked him if he was showing off for me, he smiled, and said "No Captain, I'm saving you money!" Can't argue that unless he hits the wall too hard.

I often write about the Senior Cadets who stand watch on the bridge. Today, I want to mention the more junior classes who do much of the dirtywork. The most difficult watch station aboard during the Canal transit is Helmsman. The Helm must steer courses precisely as ordered. The task requires excellent physical skills to manage the wheel and the job is mentally demanding as well. The Helmsman must pay strict attention to every detail. What the pilot says is crucially important to the safety of the ship and he/she rarely raises his voice. Every command must be repeated exactly as stated and the result of that command must be reported as well. It is a tedious business and after 2-3 hours of it they are exhausted.

Five Cadets stood Helmsman watch as we traveled from the Pacific to the Atlantic; 3/C Matthew Patriquin( Chelmsford ,Ma), 3/C Christopher Demello (Duxbury, Ma),3/C Sean Mcnulty( Franklin,Ma), 3/C Daniel Reading (No Easton,Ma) and 4/C David Perron (Ipswitch, Ma). They did an absolutely superb job!

Communication with the Engine room is also critically important. The "engine order telegraph" or EOT is the device that relays speed commands to the Engineering Officer of the Watch. The Cadets who stands watch here must listen intently, respond quickly, and report engine room compliance with the pilot's orders immediately. 2/C Todd Mara (Harvard, Ma), 3/C Andrew Perron (Fairhaven,Ma) and 3/C EricToper (Hamden, Ma) shouldered this responsibility exceptionally well.

Nearly every command given on the Bridge prompts many responses in the Engineroom. For example, the Engineroom answered 70 engine orders or "bells" during the 20-24 watch, alone. Each required manipulation of throttle valves, boiler burners, and water level monitoring equipment. No wonder it's always over 100 degrees down there!

4/C Kevin. Macfarland (Sullivan's Island, SC), 2/C Andrew Macdougal (Randolph, Ma) and 1/C Kathleen Thatcher (Plymouth, Ma) were cadets laboring in the heat and humidity of the "pit". They performed flawlessly. I am very proud of them and of all the cadets who work so hard on this arduous, mid-winter, sea term, semester.

Casino Night Aboard The Patriot State

On Wednesday evening, February 5 , while making a night transit through the Panama Canal, Cadets of the Patriot State donned their leisure clothes, and amid the background music of Frank Sinatra crooning "Luck Be A Lady Tonight" became high rollers at a SGA sponsored Casino Night. Don't worry moms and dads, the money used was not next semester's tuition money, but Patriot State paper currency that cadets purchased at a rate of exchange of $5.00 hard currency bought $5000 Patriot State money.

There were a variety of games of chance for cadets to try their luck from bingo to a homemade roulette wheel. and most cadets quickly accumulated large sums of money which at the conclusion of the evening would be used to bid for prizes at auction. Cruise SGA Rep Ron Pigeon (Rockland) acted as auctioneer and got the bids rolling.

Cadets bid on blank envelopes taking a chance on what prize would be listed inside. Prizes included steak dinners, cameras, compact discs, MMA baseball hats, and other rather routine fare. However most cadets were after some of the more publicized prizes . Some of the most notable were:

A free trip to Disney World- - - Rudolf Pauls 4/C (Little Compton,RI)

Dinner with Captain Bushy ---Laura Dickie, ( Aurora,IL) Roger Souza ( New Bedford,Ma), Donna Cattabriga ( Stoughton, Ma)

First person ashore in Buzzards Bay- - -Jackie Trainor 2/C ( Malden, Ma)

Sitting in the Captain's Chair for arrival in Fort Lauderdale - -3/C Robert Stewart (Brockton,Ma)

Two Hundred Dollars Cash - - Sean Mackay 4/C (Boston,Ma)

Two Hundred Dollars Cash - - Michaela Worthington 2/C (Philadelphia, Pa)

Average bidding for the more than twenty five envelopes was in the vicinity of $30,000 Patriot State currency. Derek Pedro 3/C (New Bedford,Ma), was the winner of perhaps the most sought after prize- -- Breakfast In Bed Served by the Deputy Commandant, CDR Domingos ( Falmouth, Ma). As an aside, all of the prize descriptions were typed on sheets of paper to be placed in the envelopes. Initially, this one was mistakenly described as "Breakfast in Bed With Cdr. Domingos".

Approximately 200 cadets took part in this very pleasant evening at sea change of pace. At the end of the sea term, all proceeds from this event go to a charity chosen by the cadets.

A Talent Show is being planned by SGA for future entertainment.