Riding The Waves to Italy

We left beautiful Porto, Portugal for Sardinia, Italy on another long 14 day voyage and although the Ports are exciting and beautiful the time in between travelling is very difficult and exhausting. I realize I am only 21 days into my sailing career but I am certain that the rise and falls of this boat on the water is symbolic of sailing life itself. If the day or watch is difficult, not too soon after there is something that makes everything better whether that is climbing up the mast to the topgallant (pronounced t’gallant), watching a sunset on the bowsprit, an interaction with somebody on the boat or given a task that reminds us where we are and what we are doing. Keep in mind a day that starts well can go the other way too. No two days on Class Afloat are the same and that there is something new happening every day. This is nice because I have really come to appreciate the days where I may get even an extra hour or two of sleep, additional time for studies, surprises or sometimes even some alone time even though it may be working up on the mast for hours by yourself it is peaceful. Even the tasks during the days may alter whether it is working galley (don’t get me started on chopping onions), repairing sails, doing sail maneuvers (which is very difficult), painting, “rust busting” or cleaning in all parts of the boat. I stress work in all parts of the boat as we could be performing tasks such as furling sails on the masts near the highest points and even being harnessed and lowered over rails to clean filters or rust bust shackles on the hull of the boat as water rushes by and dolphins swim beneath checking out what you are doing.

Oddly, I must be getting used to the routines, I am not struggling as much to get up for night watch, even though I have been moved to the 2am-4am shift from my 4am-6am shift…uggh. I am back in more of a school rhythm too becoming more productive and slightly less distracted in class. Another strange thing is that when you can eat only what is prepared for you and have limited snacks you will eat anything when hungry enough. I am used to lentils now, ate some spicy curry dish and enjoyed the pumpkin dish that was made on our Thanksgiving feast....maybe I am growing up? I do miss home cooking and am actually getting used to not having extra butter and salt but due try and get leftovers wherever I can to try and fill up. But I do really enjoy my Nesquik cereal that I brought on at last port as a snack and have tried to make it last but have found I am not very good at rationing my snacks.

The long 2 weeks to Sardinia was eventful with our rigorous schedule, classes and still learning the ins and outs of ship life duties. During this leg we crossed through the Strait of Gilbraltar (which I missed since we passed in the night while I was sleeping, hopefully I will see it on the way back through) and sailed by the islands of Ibiza, Minorca and Mallorca. It was nice to see land for most of the trip but it is also a bit of a tease with mainland beaches and islands in sight and a marginal 3G signal on my phone.  We even had a Snow Day!...all classes were cancelled and we had our first swim call.  The Captain and staff must have noticed the morale of the student population was down from our daily rituals and that compounded with home sickness we all need a pick me up. It was awesome to jump off the bowsprit and listen to music like a big pool party but in the open ocean. To relax for a day to get caught up on naps, work on school work or tans and even get milkshakes from Lily the Cook was a much needed recharge for everybody.

We arrived in Sardinia early so we were not allowed into port but luckily we were allowed to tender in on “Black Betty” our zodiac. Although we had not cleared customs we were allowed ashore as long as we stayed within eyesight of the boat. It is a neat place as we can see the mountainous region of France on one side of the ship and the rocky terrain of Sardinia, Italy on the other side. It was also a cool sight to see kite boarders zipping around while we watched from boat, especially when we saw the Captain go by on a kite board himself. Upon coming ashore we were all excited for pizza, pasta and gelato, however much to our surprise we found out that this sleepy island actually shuts down for a nap from 4-7pm with very little open which was exactly when we arrived so all of this food we wanted so bad was going to have to wait another day. Once moored, we were able to tour the town, and had a hiking and swimming tour where we learned about Cork Trees, some weird fruit and I finally got to fly my drone while everybody else went for a swim. Sardinia has amazing beaches and no shortage of food, unfortunately I don’t speak Italian and there is very little English so ordering food was a 'best guess' at best but typically worked out. The rest of our port stay was based around exploring close to the port, eating, more eating and preparing ourselves for the next sail.

We are off to Toulon in the southern coast of France next and although back sailing again we have no more long hauls until our Atlantic crossing which is nice. I can also understand the language which definitely will be more comfortable and Mom will be be proud of me if I can still speak it <wink>.