................................................I have learned a lot today! Experience on the ship varies with everyone. We have those who have been with the Gazela for years, while others like me, are undertaking their first trip. The ship provides training lessons for beginners and intermediate. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make the beginner classes so I jumped into the intermediate classes without knowing the basics. Living on the ship, is the best way to learn the basics.
As scheduled, we left the dock at 8:00 am, and got underway at 10:00am. As we got underway, Patrick announced our, “watches.”
The crew is divided into three different watches. For each watch, there is a watch leader. My watch leader is Robin Schimpf. The other watch leaders are; Tony Coppola and Bill Bergstorm. These members are very experienced and have 7 or 8 crew members to manage. Your leader will tell you where to be and what to do.
..............................................Watches are 2, four-hour long sessions; 8:00-12:00, 12:00-4:00 or 4:00-8:00. During your watch you are taking turns steering the helm, navigating, boat check, deck ready, lookout 1 & 2 and runner. My watch leader and fellow crew were patient and willing when walking me through each procedure. My watch is from 8:00-12:00. (8am to noon, and 8pm to midnight) At least I don’t have to get up at 4am! However, each watch has its benefits.
After your watch you have work time. Your watch leader will assign jobs that need to be done on or below deck. Today, my group cleaned the 3 bathrooms below, and sweeping and mopping the floors.
We got a light rain this afternoon. Those who were not on watch, huddled on deck drinking hot chocolate and eating the chocolate chip cookies Paul quickly cooked up for us.
.................................................(Scott Cointot, Captain in above picture) We will see what the weather will hold for us tonight and tomorrow.
I’m going to get some down time before my next watch,
-Abby Fazio
Heads! The bathrooms are called the heads! And you're learning so much so quickly.
ReplyDeleteGreat work Abby, I'll be following along from Philly!
Victoria