Friday, 05 February 1999
As of 0800, the Empire State was located at 17 degrees and 30 minutes North latitude, 065 degrees and 31 minutes West longitude, steering a course of 215 degrees true, at a speed of 10.5 knots. The Puerto Rico is 31 nautical miles to the northwest. The air temperature is 76 degrees F, with a forecast high of 80. Water temperature is 79 degrees. The skies are mostly clear and the wind is from the north-northeast at 10 knots, sea state 2 (8 feet). Water depth is 6000 feet. Barometric pressure is 1019 millibars and steady.
CAPTAIN'S LOG:
Hello, this is Capt George Benway, filling in for Capt Bushy who is suffering from an acute case of writer's block this morning. His prognosis is good, with full recovery expected by tomorrow.
Yesterday, everyone aboard the Empire State knew why we call it a "Training Ship". Final exams were under way for over 200 cadets and anxiety levels were higher than the relative humidity-100%. The examinations included all types of testing. Some were traditional pencil and paper tests, others more grueling oral examinations, and some were performance based where in the cadets had to demonstrate their proficiency. For example, start a generator or by bring the evaporator on line. While all of the "quals exams" were rigorous, the freshmen endured an added degree of difficulty: they were tested in all three majors; Marine Transportation, Marine Engineering, and Marine Safety/Environmental Protection.
To say that everyone is REALLY looking forward to the beach party in St. John tomorrow is like saying Dorothy was anxious to get back to Kansas.
After such a grueling day, we spent an enjoyable evening slowly making our way through the British Virgin Islands . The Island chain is comprised of some 16 islands situated between Puerto Rico to the west and the Leeward Islands to the south. They are beautiful, even from our distant vantage point. The British have controlled the Islands since 1866. The capital is Road Town, on Tortola and the Governor represents Her Majesty the Queen.
Tortola, or "land of turtle doves", is the largest of the islands and is situated about 60 miles east of Puerto Rico. The second largest island is Virgin Gorda, or "Fat Virgin" The name refers to a protruding mountain noted by Columbus on one of his early voyages. One only has to pass by to see the many quiet coves and anchorage that attract so many luxurious yachts.
A little farther north, Anegada is easily missed because it covers only 15 square miles and rises 28 feet above sea level. But it has become the grave yard for more than 300 ships over the years. Now, their remains serve as habitat for schools of tropical fish and other sea life that make the place a diver's paradise.
Early Saturday morning, we should drop the hook in the beautiful Caneel Bay on St John. Then we will row ashore in long boats, looking for all the world like Buccaneers of the 18th century, and sample the charm of the islands first hand.