The Training Ship Empire State is underway transiting the historic Cape Cod Canal. The skies are bright and sunny. Wind and current are on the stern at 3 to 5 knots. Air Temperature is 36 degrees Fahrenheit; Sea injection temperature is 38 degrees; Depth of water beneath the keel is 16 feet; Fair winds and following seas for our departure.

Captain's Log. COME CHECK US OUT! Academy Drive was especially beautiful as I arrived this morning at sunrise. The eastern sky was brushed hot red and pink with just enough ice blue overlaid to remind one that it is the middle of winter. The Cape Cod Canal was as smooth as black glass except for flocks of small sea birds hitchhiking along on the brisk current and the occasional wisps of vapor rising from eddies. The perennial gulls majestically perched on the wrought fence, pre - flighted their wings and surveyed their domain. They knew that today was special. Many sweet treats will slip from the grasps of happy children running and playing and still other delicacies will be forgotten in the excitement of the day; a feast awaited and they must prepare. Anxious families arrived early. Children, up much too early for Saturday, rubbed the sandman from their eyes, as they crept from warm nests in the back seats. Many have never seen a ship up close before. They stood in awe. Directly ahead, amplified by the brilliant morning sun, 17,200 tons of magnificently formed white steel rose up more than 100 feet into the quite dawn. High up the masts her radars spun, folding the icy air. Not a breeze stirred as she exhaled nervously; her breath soared straight up and away into the frosty sky. She strained at her lines ready to leap into the stream and be gone. Aboard, I completed final pre underway inspections. Cadets not on watch, paced from bow to stern awaiting departure. Hidden from immediate view, Cadet engineers tended the boiler fires and monitored the operation of complex systems that provide life itself at sea. The heart of the ship was all business, no aimless wandering here. Deck Cadets staffed the bridge, completed final pre-underway checks, and rehearsed every scene that will play out in just a few short hours. They felt ready. Looking out from the port Bridge wing, the parade field began to resemble a garden of wildflowers as brightly colored coats and caps seemed to sprout through the dull brown grass and fill every available space. The MMA Parent's Organization did a brisk business selling hot chocolate pier side. The weather was perfect. The time finally came and Away We Went! Enough of the side stepping, beach creature stuff! Enough loading! Enough Drilling! Enough preparing! ENOUGH SHIVVVERRRINGGG! We were underway, steering into the freedom of the open seas and renewed adventures. Sea Term 2001 had arrived to whisk us from the pallid ice and frozen tundra to the white sands of the sparkling Caribbean. Not a moment too soon either! The past week has been hectic indeed, however, the resilient Cadets conquered the problems and completed an extraordinary amount of work in a very short time. Tons of food, water, fuel, personal gear, and spare parts were properly stowed. Much remained to be done, but that was the plan. We have 42 days and nights to get it finished. Weather predictions are favorable for the near term and I anticipate that Empire State will ride well on the gently rolling seas. Later this evening when the adrenalin wears off and the euphoria that always accompanies departure subsides, bone weariness borne of honest work will set in. They will sleep and awaken ready to adapt to the arduous schedule that is Sea Term. Well folks, we have much to do, and miles to sail before we sleep. So, from the Captain, the Crew, and the Cadets, Welcome to Sea Term 2001. Join us as we MAKE THE WORLD OUR CLASSROOM in Curacao, Costa Rica, St Johns, and New Orleans...You will be glad you did.