SST: June 05 - 08, 2009
SST 2009 – Update #1
One thing that you learn when you go to sea is that there is never stability, or routine. Routine exists for the moment or for that particular leg of the trip, and sometimes even then you never really settle into the normalcy associated with life ashore. Life onboard EMPIRE STATE is no different, and although not planned, these are most often the lessons that shape and help mold our cadets into the very able professionals that they become.
To catch up on where Father Farrell left off, and to resume with the good work he did at keeping you all updated, let us begin:
GIBRALTAR (05-08 June)
The ship arrived on schedule at the Pilot station off of Europa Point, and met up with the Pilot precisely as planned at 0700 on Friday morning. On the bridge Mate Charlie Stocking had all gear tested and readied; down in the Engine Room, our cadets were standing by ready to answer engine orders or “bells” rung up on the engine order telegraph; in the steering engine room, engineering officer Pat Stevens was standing by, and on deck, Chief Mate Matt Mahanna (bow), and Second Mate Peter Vecchio (stern) were supervising our deck cadets in line handling as we approached the pier. The Cadet Watch Officer for arrival was Cadet Chris Nemeth, one of our cadet navigators, assisted ably by Alison Ferrie, 1/C, on the helm, and in all honesty I cannot remember of such an effective and qualified team bringing her in. As the Pilot later commented – when you have a group that anticipates your every command, it makes it easy. Perhaps the three days of ship handling and training had paid off!
First line was precisely at 0842, and we were securely tied up starboard side to the Royal Navy Berth at 0900. Following a courtesy visit by the Royal Naval attaché, and the MP’s for the Base, liberty was piped for all Officers and Crew, with cadet liberty to soon follow. Three days in another port, and the plans to visit three countries on the minds of many cadets, crew and officers alike – Morocco, Spain, and Gibraltar. While those on their liberty day were headed ashore, those on duty connected a fresh water hose to take on fresh water, deck cadets emptied our garbage containers to a “bin” ashore, and maintenance commenced all about the ship. Two of the ship’s compliment were sent ashore for medical appointments that were arranged by the Agent – Father Farrell, for a check-up, and one cadet for complaints of a tooth problem. Finally, a taxi was arranged to meet Admiral Craine and Mate Elspeth Hannaford who were flying in that afternoon. A ship’s reception was also planned for that evening on the sun deck for about 80 local dignitaries and for a number of officers and cadets. All in all, a busy first day in port.
The remainder of the port stay, that day (Friday), Saturday and Sunday, was marked by the planned and the unplanned. Cadets, officers and crew experienced the charm and history of Gibraltar, from St. Michael’s Cave, to the Barbery apes; the very eye-opening and stark Moroccan city of Tangiers, and the beaches of both Gibraltar and Spain. A number of people climbed and explored the rock, while others just enjoyed the atmosphere of this British stronghold. We bunkered (loaded fuel) on Sunday for our transit through what is known as a SECA area (sulphur emission control area), saw a number of familiar faces return, three of our cadet sailors who had just completed their successful bid at Sailing Nationals, and a few depart, notably Father John Farrell. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Father Farrell who remained behind due to issues with his heart. John was sent to a hospital in Malaga for tests and observation, and will be returning to New York by plane in the upcoming week. All of us onboard miss him and wish him well.
