Captain's Log for Sunday, January 9 ,2000
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CAPTAIN'S LOG for 09 JANUARY 2000 At 1100 09 January 2000, the T/S Empire State is located at 37 degrees 45 minutes North Latitude and 65 degrees 20 minutes West Longitude, approximately 300 nautical miles southeast of Cape Cod. She was steering course 153 degrees true at a speed of 16 knots. Depth of water beneath the keel was 2780 fathoms. She was sailing on three to six foot seas. The wind was light,and out of the west-northwest at 15 knots. First, let me start the Captain's Log by thanking all of the wonderful friends, and families who gave us such a fabulous send off yesterday. The pier was absolutely jammed and people waving brightly colored signs greeted us for the entire length of the canal as well. Everyone aboard truly appreciates it. We couldn't make it go without you. Again, my heartfelt thanks for your considerable efforts. As you might imagine, the first few days at sea are always the toughest. The Cadets have had precious little time for anything this past week, except hard work. Most have been fully engaged in the endless loading, storing, cleaning and general preparing that must be completed prior to departure. Couple the backbreaking work with stressful Coast Guard drills, hours of watch, and the anxiety of dramatic change and the product is a bunch of exhausted young people. They earned a small break and many were asleep nearly as soon as we cleared the Cape Cod Canal. Today is somewhat different, pleasantly quiet. Sunday at sea is a day of relative ease and we are blessed with excellent weather. The ship is rolling gently on the long swells, the bright sun is warming us, and everyone is settling into the "at sea" routine. Those who were unsure about watch assignments or more basically, how to find the watch assignment have now experienced the first full cycle. They've done it once and confidence breeds confidence. That is doubly good because I think that the weather may be changing and that will certainly complicate matters for a time. The Youngies have quickly learned that finding someone in the next hold aboard Empire State may be more difficult than finding them in the next town at home. The shoe leather express has replaced cell phones, faxes and computers. Talking face to face is now essential. We communicate the old fashioned way and the mess hall is already being seen as something more than just a place to eat; it is the social center of the universe. Everyone who is anyone goes there. Cadets who are accustomed to having space to do anything are quickly learning that they have space to do nothing. Sharing is required and leaving toothpaste in the communal sink is sure to bring the wrath of a shipmate coming behind. The Sea Term teaches many lessons essential to survival in the world and class has begun. Thankfully, we have a nice calm day on the first full day of school. Now I think that I will kick back and cruise. See you tomorrow. Questions for Monday,10 Jan 2000 Geography Question: The Empire State will begin her voyage travelling down the east coast of the United States. What country in the world has the longest coastline? Science Question: The Empire State reports the surface water temperature each day because it is important for efficiency calculations in the engine room. It will vary dramatically during the voyage, but what is the temperature of the deep ocean? History Question: The cadets first port-of-call is Madeira, Island. What famous explorer once lived on Madeira? Math Question: A typical lifeboat holds 145 people. The boat weighs 3200 pounds. At full capacity the boat and passengers weigh 26,690 pounds. What is the average weight of each person?
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