Captain's Log for Monday 10 January, 2000
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FIRST DAY OF TRAINING UNDERWAY At 1100 EST the T/S Empire State was enroute Funchal, Madeira and located at 34 degrees and 46 minutes North Latitude and 057 degrees 36 minutes West Longitude. She was steering course 094 degrees true at a speed of 16.1 knots. The weather was mild, light winds out of the Southwest at 4 knots, barometric pressure was 1020 millibars of mercury and the air temperature was 78 degrees. The seas were three to six feet, water temperature was 75 degrees, water depth beneath the keel was 2600 fathoms.
CAPTAIN'S LOG 10 JANUARY 2000 The weather continues to be great! We have encountered a few light rainsqualls but the sea water temperature is increasing and that means only one thing, we are leaving the probability of ice and snow far behind. As you can tell from our position reports, the engineers are working overtime as they hustle us along at better than 16 knots. That speed takes us quickly from the uncertainty of the New England winter but it also carries us away from the NFL playoffs and the only concern so far: "what's the score?". Academic classes began in earnest today and from all indications the Cadets are doing well. The early perceptions of life at sea are definitely colored by the long swells and gentle rolls. I've sent along some Cadet comments to give a flair for the view from places other than the Bridge: CADET COMMENTS - DAY ONE "So far so good...no land in sight. I have been feeling good so far, and hopefully for the rest of cruise to come." 4/C Denise Lynott, Braintree, MA "Actually, I am surprised that I haven't gotten seasick yet. The ship's roll seems to lull me to sleep nicely. During engine watch all of the crewmembers were helpful and informative. Last night we watched the phosphorescence off the stern of the ship. It was amazing." 4/c Erin Lawrence, Mattapoisett, MA "For my first full day at sea, things have been interesting. The soothing rocking is very relaxing. I am extremely anxious to see foreign ports and cultures. I am sure it will also make me more fully appreciate my life back home". 4/C Patrick Kelliher, Manchester, NH "Cruise is going pretty good so far. Can't wait to hit the big waves and liberty ports. Europe should be a blast. The freshmen seem to really want to learn. A good crew and all is in apparent good order. " 2/C Sean Nolan, Brockton, MA "We're all ready to rock-n-roll at sea and in port! Things are running smoothly from stem to stern." 3/C Rob Wallace, Brockton, MA "Cruise is usually a pretty good time but the P.O.D. should just read S.N.A.F.U. But that aside, cruise definitely rocks!!" 3/C Christopher Ingersoll, Virginia Beach, VA "So far this cruise I think that it has been going well for all the classes. Everyone has been working hard and has been accomplishing everything that has needed to be done" 1/C Merideth Mecketsy, Seekonk, MA QUESTIONS FOR 11 JANUARY 2000 Geography: The first stop for the Cadets will be the Island of Madeira, off the West African coast. What is the largest island in the world? Science: Atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). What is the ocean pressure at its deepest point? History: Not long after departing Buzzards Bay, the T/S Empire State will approach Bermuda and head east. What European country was the first to discover this island east of the Carolina coast? Math: The chief mate tells Cadet Force to cut an old 600 feet long mooring line into two pieces. One piece must be twice as long as the other. How long are the pieces? ANSWERS FOR 10 JANUARY 2000 Geography: Canada has the longest coastline of any country. It is 56,453 miles long. Science: Almost all of the deep ocean temperatures are only a little warmer than freezing; 39 degrees Fahrenheit. (F.). History: Christopher Columbus. Math: The average weight is 162 pounds.
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