Sunday at 1600 the ship’s whistle sounded one prolonged blast as
the last line was brought aboard and the Texas Clipper II departed
for the 2004 summer cruise. Cadet Curtis, the CDO on departure,
navigated the ship through the oil rigs after the pilot departed.
This morning at 0615, cleaning stations were inspected and at 0800
classes began. Cadets have already started working on their star
days and other projects required for cruise.
After crossing the Gulf of Mexico we will sail parallel to the
Florida coast in order to stay in the axis of the Gulf Stream until
Cape Hatteras. From Cape Hatteras we will sail a great circle route
to Fastnet Rock, Ireland.
Last
night the stars were shining brightly and this morning we awoke to a
beautiful day at sea. Cadets and crew were back into the routine at
sea shortly after departure. The ship is pitching easily in a
slight head sea and so far no reports of seasick cadets or crew.
The
Chief Engineer has reported that all operations are normal and the
seals on the propeller shaft bearing are not leaking.
Captain S. Stephenson
