At 1500 Eastern Standard Time, (EST) the Training Ship Empire State was underway navigating eastwardly through the historic Cape Cod Canal. The weather could have been no better. Winds were from the west at 13 mph, the temperature was 39 degrees Fahrenheit, skies were overcast with unlimited visibility, the barometric pressure was 29.89 and raising (a good sign), the seawater temperature was a brisk 38 degrees Fahrenheit, (03 degrees C) certainly not "summeresque" but we had no plans for swim call today so that did not matter.

CAPTAIN'S LOG

"The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been." Henry Kissinger

"I've heard men say it can be dull, But that's not really true. The world of dolphin, tern and gull Brings plenty work to do. Though vigilance when gales are laid May sound a piece of cake. To stay sharp as a razor blade Needs practice... no mistake." Taken from; Alert By C. Robert Hilton

Welcome Aboard! Sea Term 2002 is officially underway and TS Empire State is carrying us southward to new and exciting adventures, real life educational opportunities, extraordinary experiences, and personal development. Join us as we make the World our Classroom, you will be glad for it.

Regardless the number of times that I Command the annual Sea Term, departure continues to be very special. How gratifying to watch young people make it happen! The past week has been fraught with the problems that epitomize the ordeal of change. Each is an impediment with the real potential to keep us fast to the pier. However, these magnificent young men and women methodically meet each challenge; suddenly the elephant is gone, and it is time.

As I turned onto Academy Drive before sun up this morning, I encountered the queue, cars carrying family and friends lined up to grab the last remaining parking spaces, and the berm bustling with people scurrying along to the pier. These hardy souls, gathering seven hours before the scheduled underway time, have not been here in this capacity before. For many, sleep did not come easily last night. Some have never seen a ship, and the anticipation of this pivotal event draws them along. They are here to witness the glorious sunrise, lighted gray whisps passing to deep purple, iridescent orange, and halo gold. The new light seems focused on the monolith rising up directly before them. The pier side structures serve as reference; the soft earth tints of the antique brick facade and smooth arching panes are dwarfed by the angular steel superstructure, the undeniable mass, the apparent power, of the adjacent ship. Awesome!

Then come the old salts, parents of juniors and seniors. They carry elaborate signs and mylar flags to advertise their support but as technology changes, so have the preferred methods of communication. Small two-way radios replaced shouted good byes, and now the atmosphere reverberates with happy tunes playing out on cell phones.

Modern electronic devices used to communicate age old advice; crucial instructions regarding money, manners, and matters of the heart. No escaping Mom's wisdom here.

Many things have gone the way of the slide rule but regardless of advances, some things never change. The anticipation of going to sea for the first time is among them. And for those left forlornly behind, the heart felt emotions brought on at departure, are as old as the sea itself.

Ah, but that is behind us now. Fair westerly winds push gently on the stern and hurry us along, the mid winter sun shines warmly upon the decks; all is right with the world. We are unfettered; the cares, so prevalent in the communities of side stepping beach creatures that sing well wishes from the shore, are but a memory. The metamorphic forces have begun to work. The heat and pressure of the coming weeks, the demands to meet the commitment, and desire to excel will transform this functional gang of students into a well-oiled team of professionals. Just wait 'til you see them.

My special thanks to all the parents...You really make this happen.

See you tomorrow from somewhere south.