Jan Peavoy
November 24, 1995 aboard Concordia

On Saudi Arabia
I find myself more confused about Saudi Arabian lifestyle now than I was previous to visiting the country. Before hearing anything about the country, I had a view of a desert-like, poor, crazy Muslim country. It sounds awful, but I didn't know any better. My views changed as I heard what Ms. Smith and Mr. Holysh had to say about Saudi Arabia. I then pictured a very wealthy but strict Muslim country.

I became more perplexed when we arrived. The Class Afloat women were not separated from the men and we saw American fast food restaurants all over the place. In a country regulating the number of western tourists in attempts to restrict western influences, they seemed to be going about it in a strange way. We saw little kids that couldn't use their legs, crawling around begging for money and it made me wonder about the government’s priorities if they were as rich as I had heard. I wonder the same thing about our western countries.

We were given a very sheltered view of Saudi Arabia’s society. I believe they did this because they are very protective of their culture and in what they want foreigners to see. After 5 days of food, fun, and gifts, I decided that I wouldn’t enjoy living in Saudi Arabia. It would be very hard to adjust to such a strict society after having lived in a society that emphasizes personal freedom all my life. While everyone on Class Afloat was treated exceptionally well, there were many aspects of the Saudi culture that we didn’t see.

Though Saudi Arabia is a very strict culture, we were able to talk to local people. By doing so we got a small glimpse of a segregated world that was hard for us to understand. Thanks to many wonderful activities, we will return home saying great things about our stay in Saudi Arabia.

Kevin Price
November 19, 1995 aboard Concordia

At Sea off South Africa
Going back to sea for fourteen days, after experiencing all Saudi Arabia had to offer, was something no crew member looked forward to. Going from an endless buffet of great food to the meager portions of sustenance found in the galley, and the air-conditioned hotel rooms to 110 degree heat on the boat was not easy. Many of the students miss Saudi, but we have a new adventure coming our way. We are now sailing down the eastern coast of Africa, toward the ports of Tanzania.

We have been at sea for four days now; it has been an eventful sail. Two days ago, we attempted to go snorkeling off a reef, but that didn’t work out due to bad weather conditions. Yesterday, we answered a distress call from a German freighter and our doctor had to be ferried over to give medical attention to a sick sailor. Later that same day, we were contacted by a Polish ship. Our captain had friends onboard that ship, so the professional crew got in our zodiac (a small inflatable speed boat) and went over for a visit when the Polish ship came close enough. They came back with Polish sausages and bread. So far this leg of the voyage has been amazing, I can’t wait to see what will happen next!!

Jonathan Burt
11/11/95 aboard Concordia

Crew Journal: Bosun's Maintenance Duties
What Class Afloat students did not know when we left Louisbourg, was that they were to be used as our labor gang for the maintenance of the tall ship Concordia. I am the Bosun (derived from the old "Boatswain"). Aboard for first semester, it is my job to be the ship's caretaker by looking out for her care and upkeep. Everyone on board is involved, because the safety, strength and seaworthiness of the vessel is a concern to us all.

During the voyage so far, we have been working quite a bit on our deck superstructures. The sea, salt and sun have done their damage to these steel houses, and the time for repair has come. The rust was beaten, scraped, chipped and sanded, and then we applied a series of protective finishes. The final touches came in the form of gleaming white paint.

By our arrival in Malta, the true beauty of Concordia was dramatically visible- with her fresh white deckhouses, shining varnish, and newly painted green trim to match this year's new hull color. It was very rewarding to see the project completed and to realize that the many days spent with sandpaper fingers, painted clothes and visions of leisure time were well worth the effort.

It is heartening from a professional standpoint to see the skill levels improve in the students. It is now possible to assign a project, designate a student to be in charge, and then to return to see work well underway or completed. Congratulations are in order to those of the crew who came aboard as raw recruits who are now approaching the status of competent deck hands.

Our ship will be the envy of the sailing fleet.

Introducing || Concordia || Students & Crew
Current Position || Logbook || Journals || FAQs
Q&A || Special Offer || Bibliography || Glossary

Class Afloat / Ocean Challenge / OceanChallenge.com

(c) Copyright 1996, Ocean Challenge