Caribbean Voyage on the Corwith Cramer

This is our initial cruise track, which I create and send to the parents of students enrolled in the 12 week program.
We ended up significantly deviating from the track, thanks to strong trade winds.

As part of my on-the-job training at Sea Education Association (SEA), I spent 3 weeks in the Caribbean learning to sail and navigate the 134ft brigantine tall ship, SSV Corwith Cramer. Every morning I pinched myself and thought, "I'm getting paid to do this."

Corwith Cramer in Gallows Bay, Christiansted, St. Croix, USVI

First let me premise with a surprising Vic factoid: predating my experience on board the Cramer, I had never before sailed. Okay, slight correction, I have thrice set foot on sailing vessels. It is my personal view though, since I was merely a passenger, I did not actually sail.
1. Dad takes Fred (age 6) and I (age 8) sailing on Dillon reservoir in a tiny-ass boat. Violent wind gusts roaring down steep 12,000ft Colorado mountain slopes hurl the tiny boat across the lake. Fred and I thought we were going to die. Not a fun experience. I learned sailing equaled death.
2. Family vacation in St Croix: took a trip to Buck Island on board a 25ft sail boat. I became terribly sea sick and assumed sailing equaled death + vomiting.
3. Sailed on a little sunfish with my dear friend, Beth, in Nantucket. No wind plus strong current equaled hilarity and inability to change course away from the harbor shipping lanes. We ended up jumping out of the boat and swimming/dragging it back to shore. I learned that sailing equaled magic.

View from bow looking aft, furled fore and course sails

Despite my previous sailing adventures, I remained determined to learn as much as possible while maintaining a positive attitude. Before students leave for the sea component, I always ask what they look forward to the most and if they are nervous about anything. Students reply with a variety of comments regarding the former, but are most nervous about their ability to overcome sea sickness. My hesitations were the same since, based on sailing experience #2, sailing equals death + vomiting.

Square-rigged fore mast & braces...Marconi-rigged aft mast

I also worried about functionality. What if I couldn't 'get it'? What if I was all thumbs? To prepare, I studied the physics of sailing. At the very least, if I understood how the ship operated under sail, the tactical components would follow. Chad taught me several knots (actually the knots were and still are difficult for me), how to operate a sextant, and tricks for computing compass deviation and variation. I hoped I could remember it all.

Cramer's binnacle and gimbaled compass

Ship's helm with rudder in neutral position...see the Turkish knot?

On November 22nd, ready or not, I flew to St. Croix, USVI and boarded the Corwith Cramer ready for anything and everything.

A Windy Day...seems to be the theme around here

That's right, another windy day! On Saturday, Feb 25th, WHOI recorded wind gusts between 50 and 60mph. The only difference? This time, the wind blew south-westerly, rather than the usual easternlyish direction.

WHOI pier to the left looking toward the largest of the Elizabeth islands with Martha's Vineyard in the distance

I took the majority of pictures from the observation deck at the MBL Club and Visitor's Center and could barely stand let alone hold the camera still.

Walking the dogs was a hilarious affair. Though Sandy wasn't blown around due to her low center of gravity, the wind whipped her fur in every direction. You could see loose fur flying off her. At the end of the short walk she looked like a deranged punk rocker. One strong gust lifted Tia from the ground and blew her sideways. Frightened and leashed, she ran around my legs, tying them together. The same gust sent sand and fur into my eyes. Now blinded and vertically unstable, I silently wished for no further calamity, but Sandy had enough and yanked on her leash to seek shelter. This tipped the scale and, like a falling tree-except for the briefest of moments when another wind gust rendered me weightless, crashed to the forest floor (or, in my case, parking lot). On that terribly ungraceful note, we immediately ended the walk. I made it out later in the day to take photos.

Waves crashing into the sea wall at low tide. National Marine Fishery Service (NMFS) main building in the background

WHOI buildings...I'm crouched against the MBL pier gate trying not to get wet from sea spray. Again, low tide.

Chad and I rarely sleep through the night when wind gusts exceed 30mph. The constant moaning and groaning of lines (sometimes extra lines) is terribly loud. In the past, floating crap has hit the hull, as have other boats. Plus, we check on the bimini top and need to be ready if something happens. We didn't sleep well Saturday night, and neither did the dogs.

Sunsets

I had the opportunity to capture sunsets at several Falmouth locations this fall and winter.

Little Sippewissett Marsh beach

beach grass, Little Sippewissett Marsh

Breathtaking views and scenery are everywhere - another perk of living on the Cape. It almost takes the edge off paying $3.59 per gallon for gas.

Surf Drive beach with Martha's Vineyard in the background

Surf Drive beach looking towards Nobska Light (not sure which planet...maybe Saturn?)

Phragmites, kettle pond along Surf Drive

 

Quissett Harbor looking towards The Knob

Quissett Harbor mansion

Quissett Harbor, just as the sun sets

I took the majority of photographs after the winter equinox (one cannot simply leave work before 4pm to take pictures) with sunset at or around 5:30pm. Though I am an amateur at best, I can only imagine the astounding images created by a professional photographer.

Where we live and let the dogs play

view of our dock and surrounding boats taken in October

By now many of you know we live in Eel Pond, a small saltwater pond and harbor in Woods Hole, MA. Specifically, we're rafted to a slip at Woods Hole Marine (WHM), directly behind the Woods Hole Market and Shuckers, a mediocre restaurant "specializing" in raw seafood.

Though many boats winter at WHM, we are the only live-aboards, so it's relatively quiet and uneventful, except for the constant howling wind and occasional tourists. Perhaps the more unique and interesting floating features are two house boats and a hand-made wooden schooner.

hand-crafted sail boat, probably 34ish ft

In the summer, the floating houses are moored in Great Harbor (the little harbor between Woods Hole and Penzance Point) and are typically available for rent. Each house uses solar and wind energy for power, collects rain for fresh water, and uses wood burning stoves for heat.

Houseboat #1

I want one. More specifically, it would be fun to build and live in one.

The hamlet of Woods Hole is also a perfect location for dogs and their owners. Dogs walk their masters around Eel Pond and up and down Water Street, the main drag. Sandy and Tia also enjoy walks around town, but their favorite go-to spot is a little grassy yard, nestled behind WHOI buildings, with a spectacular view of Eel Pond.

street entrance to the little yard

Panorama view

foggy day

The yard is perfect for dogs; they can explore - leash-free- and smell, play and chase bunnies and ducks (Sandy loves this). It's also great for human relaxation.

sunrise

Sandy and Tia have already charmed many visitors and, at least in the morning, they greet them on their way to work. On sunny days, they'll relax on the aft deck and snooze.

They really enjoy the boat...as long as they can run around at least 4 times during the day. Rainy days are grouchy days and they tend to miss-behave or 'argue.' Sandy and Tia adore beach trips and love to play in the sand, chase waves and swim.

Sandy and Tia playing with "Yellow Ball"

Winter's been pretty fun and we're looking forward to spring and summer!