Wednesday 13 January 1999
As of 0800 this morning, the Empire State was located at 26 degrees 28 minutes North latitude, 072 degrees 28 minutes West longitude. That puts her approximately 179 nautical miles northeast of Jacksonville, Florida. She is heading 210 degrees true, (SW) doing 14 knots. The depth of water under the keel is 27,500 feet. The weather at her position is mostly clear, wind out of the East @ 5 kts, sea state 3 (6 feet), air temp 71 degrees F, water temp 72 degrees F. Barometric pressure 1020 millibars, falling slightly.
Captain's Log
Sleeping conditions last night were horrendous. During the late afternoon we slowed to 50 RPM (revolutions per minute..that is how fast the propeller is turning) which gives us about 10.5 knots. The weather subsided and the forecasts called for NW winds at about 15 knots. Then, at 2200 last night, the ship took a deep roll to starboard and quickly snapped back to an even keel. Everything that was not securely fastened down flew through the air. At first, I though that the helmsman, making a rapid turn, had caused the quick roll. Then, it happened again. I went to the bridge. I soon discovered that the winds had freshened and the swell was more pronounced. I adjusted course to compensate for the sea change and improve the ride. I then went back to bed. That proved futile. I barely slept as the ship rode well for brief periods then she would repeat the sudden dip and snap . Very uncomfortable for everyone but particularly difficult for those trying to work.
During my walk-around this morning, I heard many comments, some playful, some concerned, and others very serious. I really felt sorry for 4/C Tom Mulligan from Coventry, RI , washing dishes in the hot scullery. He seemed thoughtful and pragmatic. "It's a little rough; dishes are flying everywhere, but it just makes you work harder." he said. I couldn't have said it any better, the sea always makes you work a little harder. 1/C Jessica Bigelow from Springfield asked, "What! Was there a youngie on the helm?" Yes, but he had nothing to do with it. "I'm too tired to comment" was all 2/C Brian Hurley of Swampscot would dare say. Our food service assistant Manager, Mr. Bob Cobb, of Falmouth exclaimed, "What sleep! I was chasing flying cereal all night. It was like being in a submarine on the surface." (I guess that's a bad thing!) 4/C Brian Quinn from Scituate, attempted to solve the problem for me: "Captain, it was an over steering problem." When I asked if we should ban novices from the helm he replied: "Well sir, I guess we have to let them practice."
Just before breakfast we increased speed to 60 RPM and changed course. The ride improved somewhat, but since we still have to move in a south westerly direction to reach the Caribbean, we are limited in what can be done. We will just tough it out!
Note: In addition to the Captain's comments, we received a number of comments from cadets aboard ship.
1/C Paul Thomas of Portsmouth, NH: "18 hours of class, 8 hours of watch ; that leaves how many hours to sleep?"
1/C Henry Cadoret of Pawtucket, R.I.: "Are we there yet?"
1/C Nate Broughan of Greenfield, MA: "Dinner doesn't taste as good coming up as it did going down."
1/C Sam White of Bourne, MA: "Happy Birthday Mom!"
1/C Rob Tryon (the Regimental Commander) of Norwood, MA: "My other boat is the Patriot State."
1/C Nicole Brooks of Andover, MA (who along with senior cadets Sam White and Dave Stanton of Syracuse, NY are coordinating the world wide classroom for the hundreds of schoolchildren who are following the voyage): "It's getting warmer every day but the ship is moving around like a cork! Last night was the worst...no sleep at all. We miss the Patriot State, it's much more stable. We haven't seen any whales or dolphins yet... hopefully soon. We are all getting ready for Cuba.