May 22, 2007-Charleston to Norfolk

Today was some more orientation training. I am still sick as a dog. Hopefully, I will get over it soon. After domestics and deck wash ,we went over some more sail and line handling. We also went over using the monomoy…aka the FUNomoy. After the monomoy training I went up aloft and out on one of the yards, which, as usual, was pretty fun. I don’t how fun I will think it is when we are not at anchor and the seas aren’t friendly.  Later, we went over knots. I CAN FINALLY DO A BOWLINE! This has been the most difficult thing I have been asked to do in sailing yet. Now I want to tie everything with a bowline.

May 21, 2007- Charleston to Norfolk

Today was the big new trainee orientation day. We went over fire, man overboard, and abandon ship drills. I am to help crew with putting on fire suits. I am to stand on the focs’l head and look for the man overboard. And, in case we need to abandon ship, am to get the emergency survival suits. Later,we learned lines and how to set and take in sails. Some of us went aloft for an “up and over”. I was not one of those that went aloft because I wasn’t feeling well. I have such a bad head cold, I hardly sound like myself. Early to bed for me.

Hurrah for Charleston

Charleston turned out to be a blast!  There were crowds of people excited to see the Tall Ships and eager to learn how to sail on them.  Many of the questions we were asked revolved around trainee programs upon the Tall Ships.  Over the past several days I have learned how easy it is to get on the vessles.  For example, the Prince William was still looking for trainees to sign up here in Charleston for their voyage to Norfolk.  The enthusiasm here in Charleston was so positive for me.  Everyone I talked to was so pleasant and friendly. 

 Tonight we will engage in the “Parade of Sails” aboard the Picton Castle.  The past two nights staying on board have been a lot of fun.  I am very eager to sail.  Many of her crew were very helpful in answering questions and tutoring us on several things aboard.  The cook, Donald, can prepare some mean dishes, so meal time is always a happy hour.  Waking up for the night watches have been exciting although there isn’t much happening while we are docked at port.  However, they certainly have stirred my imagination as what it will be like on the wide open ocean at night.  Last night I had a dream that our ship was rolling over gigantic swells…as you can see I am stoked! 

It is sad to know that the Maritime festivities are coming to a close today.  There have been so many nice people that I have met and oh so many cool things to see.  The education village was done very well by Otto, the education director at ASTA.  I assisted him in spreading the word to the crowd about a few guest speakers.  All-in-all it has been a very successful TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® here in Charleston. 

May 20, 2007- Charleston to Norfolk

Farewell Charleston! You guys gave us a good run! I certainly wouldn’t mind coming back to Charleston. The license plates are correct, “Smiling Faces Beautiful Places”. Fort Sumter was interesting and I loved downtown Charleston. The Hibernian was beautiful and, needless to say, entertaining. At the end of the ASTA day, we went to the Picton Castle to join up for the Parade of Sail. There were so many people. At one point someone had yelled to this ship “FIRE IN THE HOLE!”. Since we did not have a cannon to fire we yelled “BANG!” in unison which was just as well recieved. Right now, I am in the gorgeous main salon of the Picton Castle. It is so roomy. I don’t have to duck to make clearance. Hate to say it, but hitting my head isn’t that fun. The bunks are nice and I have to sleep with all of my gear, which is a great perk.

Of castles and pirates

Last night on the Picton Castle saw our first duties and dinner with the Picton Castle. We enjoyed an excellent meal of roast turkey and mashed potatoes.  We then were entertained by watching the coast guard zealously chasing away boaters who got anywhere near the tall ships. A general muster announced and explained the designation of watches – a first for us and a number of other new arrivals to the Picton Castle. At 9:45 I began the first watch and was shown how to note the wind speeds, compass heading, barometer and general weather conditions. I was then shown how to check the ship from fore to aft looking for any problems that would need to be corrected or reported.

Joanna who I was on watch with, strongly emphasized that it was essential that the valves which bring water into the marine heads (toilets) be shut off. Apparently ships have been sunk before because someone left the toilet running – what a way to go down!

Bedtime came for many soon after dinner, but I stayed out longer for a chat in the cool air. The bunk I spent the night in was comfortable enough, and while certainly not spacious, I don’t feel too cramped either. I have learned once and for all that I do not have clausterphobia. We’ll have to find out about seasickness later…

Been seeing lots of pirates here in Charleston, down near the education center they are regularly firing cannons, muskets and sword-fighting one another – generally putting on a boisterous spectacle - the usual piratatical behaviors. They are teaching the children how to haul lines, sing sea shanties and sword fight. As a result there are some pretty mean and tough looking kindergarteners running around.

May 19, 2007 – Charleston to Norfolk

There is no better feeling than a gently rocking ship easing you into slumber. The water carefully laps at the hull, it is very soothing. The docklines creak quietly and feet pitter -patter across the deck. That’s my favorite part of sailing, one of the greatest missed pleasures when I go back to a standard bed. The only similarity is that I am still on the bottom bunk. It isn’t bad being on the bottom, it’s a lower roll out onto the sole.

Last night was my first evening on the Picton Castle. After a delicious meal, I helped Kelly in the scullery. There are so many dishes! Just when you get close to the end you can count on another stack to magically appear. I had the 0000-0045 watch with Casey. While on watch, Casey showed me the normal watch duties, which were far different from the Providence’s.

 While on the watch we check windspeed and direction, we check the monomoy (a small rowing boat), and bailed the water out of the monomoy. We also check the ship for fires as well as the bilges for water. We also checked the gangway and chafe gear. In the log book we logged the weather, wind, barometer, and anything special we had done during watch, ie bailing the monomoy.

Around 7 am was muster then breakfast of eggs, pancakes, fresh fruin, and porridge. In the words of Matty, Yummy! Great for a long day at the ASTA tent. It  was bit breezy, much like Rhode Island and not like the South Carolina I was expecting. We made lots of sales and spent time with Blackbeards Crew, which I made a video of. Right now I am watching fireworks and listening to Here Comes the Mummies, a swing/ska-ish band and all of the members are actually dressed up like mummies!

Woah

 A week usually isn’t considered a long length of time. My last week however, has felt as long as a month. This isn’t because im bored, certainly not. This past week and a day since our ASTA internship began has been an unprecedented amount of new and quite stimulating experiences. We have lived in an old home in colonial Newport, graciously hosted by a sailing notoriety everyone calls “The Commodore” (Mr. Harry Anderson) Traveled hundreds of miles of the Atlantic Coast. Stayed at the best hotel i’ve ever been to – THe Charleston Marina and Resort. Seen Ft. Sumter (Lots of cannons! I’m a big fan). Attended gala’s  been to a gala’s and parties with notorieties of all types and have just today started our first real day of work with the Charleston Tall Ships Challenge festival. We even went to “South of the Border” and saw the “Great Sombrero”. It certainly has been a lot of fun. All signs however indicate that this is only a beginning and that really great things are yet in store.

Today we got our first real glimpse into what our sail training stint will be. We walked on the decks of our newest home, The Picton Castle. Beautiful vessel. It’s darkened wooden decks, gleaming wooden surfaces, burnished brass, and tar-smelling lines and interior have a comfortable, homely feel. The vessel is very elemental, being composed of its iron, wood and brass giving it an elegant simplicity while being simultaneously welcoming with all the signs of being a truly lived-in, communal home – The dishes and cups scratched from vigorous cleaning, the faded drapes among the bunks, the grainy texture of its surfaces grimed from work, the pasted papers with new rules. The crew, even while rushing to put their laundry up on deck are able to pass a smile, they seem to be friendly and welcoming – even though they have surely greeted many more who have come and gone among the decks. The friendliest welcome we received was from the crew’s two adopted puppies.  That would be my first impression of the Picton Castle and I hope that it will be a lasting impression in the days to come.

So much done, and so much to do. There is plenty to elaborate on but its time to get back to work for ASTA – They have certainly taken care of us thus far and I don’t want to be a freeloader. 

“Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places”

Sunshine, warm air, and sweet southern hospitality is what greeted the ASTA team upon arrival in Charleston, SC.  Our first day consisted of getting checked in at the Charleston’s Maritime Center.  We met everyone and then went to “set up shop”.  The location where our administration camp is has an outstanding view of the Tall Ships.  Their is an outstanding view of the dock which is right outside, hosts the Spirit of Bermuda, the Spirit of South Carolina, Pride of Baltimore II, and Schooner Virginia.  The Pride of Baltimore II was the first ship I was greeted by, which happens to be very appropriate as Maryland was the state I was born in.  We observed Gloria, a Class A Tall Ship, in all her “glory” from a distance as she anchored out in the harbor. 

 Today, Friday, May 18th was the start of the festival.  The cannons sounded at the strike of 12:00 P.M. to start the Charleston to Bermuda race.  For me, this was the official start to the festival.  This was very much a crowd pleaser.  There has been a great turnout from the public and there is a general feeling of excitement in the air.  Observing the Pirates interact with the public is always a humerous sight.  Well it is back to work.

Red Shirts for Miles!

Last night myself, Erin, Jonathan, Tim, Matt, and Otto went to A Celebration of Sailing. Words cannot describe the fun we had. There were traditional dancers from Bermuda. Great food. I met the Operations Officer and Chief Engineer of the Gloria. They are they nicest people. Everyone I have met thus far have been phenomonal.

Day 1 of the Charleston Maritime Festival: start time 8am! Which actually isn’t too bad. After a quick breakfast we started setting up the ASTA tent for merchandise and Q&A. It was so windy!!!!!!! Later, around 10 we went to the Picton Castle for our orientation. She is a beautiful ship, still painted from her stint on Pirate Master. The Picton Castle is big however I never expected as much room, storage, sleeping areas etc. SHE IS HUGE!!!!! Everyone that I quickly met seemed super nice and I know that we will fit right in with ship life. The greatest part is that we will have a cat and 2 puppies. Yay!!!! Chibley has made 4 world voyages and the puppies Foxey and Louie were rescued from the Dominque Islands I believe. They are about 2 months old and are the cutest things in the whole entire world.

Today the festival is fairly busy but tomorrow will be far more packed since kids will be out of school. The ASTA crew, the Charleston Volunteers, and the Picton Castle crew all have Red crew shirts. It is certainly difficult to tell us apart.  I can’t wait to leave the laptop and go down to mingle. Goodtimes in Charleston!!!!