Q&A with Concordia from the week ending November 29, 1996
Have you ever been caught in a white squall? If so, please describe what it was like. Jared S., Sheffield, MA
by Mark Unger, 11/15/96
The Concordia has not been in a white squall yet. White squalls are rare occurrences and usually have extremely strong winds. These winds pick up large amounts of water to heights of fifteen feet and result in severely limited visibility. The Concordia has been caught in regular squalls. During those times, the crew was forced to cope with high winds and torrential rain.
Onboard Concordia, we have very little free time. If free time is available, most students catch up on their sleep. At night, we do our homework and if have any time left after that we go into the galley and cook bagels or grilled cheese sandwiches. When we are in port, we usually have more free time. First, I find somewhere to eat. After a good meal, I usually find my way to a beach to surf. If time permits, I might also go to a movie and treat myself to a big bag of popcorn and a soda. Whether onboard Concordia or in port, free time is a very precious thing because we are usually busy with school work and ship maintenance.
Packing was one part of preparing for Class Afloat that was not easy. Class Afloat headquarters sent me a huge bag with clothing inside along with a packing list. We were to pack a year’s worth of gear, clothing, and personal items all in one bag. The list they sent me was a couple of pages long and most of the stuff that I brought from the list I haven’t used. I had such a hard time cramming all that stuff into the bag and now I know better. After a few months of sailing, I learned that all I really need is a knife, deck shoes, flip-flops, shorts and T-shirts and perhaps a sweater for cold days. Next semester, when I pack there will be much, much less in my bag.
Ocean
Challenge / e-mail: ocean@oceanchallenge.com
/ Class Afloat 1996-97
(c) 1996 Ocean Challenge, Inc.