Pacific Odyssey - Leg 5

We woke up to a clear sky and hot temperatures which continued until 1600 hrs. Temperature was 37 degrees Celsius on deck. We put up a tarp for shade. There were lessons for both junior and senior level trainees, taught by Drew, Jordan and Sarah B. Jacob and Arwen made rock candy for everyone to try. We had a ´man overboard´ drill followed by a swim stop. Swim stop is one of the nicest parts of calm days motoring. We stop the ship and each watch swims for 15 minutes while the other 2 watches stand ´shark watch.´
The colour blue of the ocean is superlative; there is no word for it. It is a translucent, yet rich light royal blue that goes on forever; visibility was incredible and there were no stinging jellyfish. I always tell trainees to swim with a mask so they can see the amazing beauty of the water. We all felt rejuvenated. Rain started around 1600 and continued until 2000hrs, all of Sarah B´s watch. Many of us showered in the fresh water rain, cooling off at the same time; the air temperature went down to 28 degrees. The ship is very warm below deck; the engine room registered 55 degrees Celsius, poor Jordan. We have quite a group of knitters on board; we may start a hat contest this leg. All trainees are feeling well and looking forward to arriving at the island of Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia tomorrow evening. It has turned into a warm and beautifully clear night; the stargazers are out. Good night, Bonice.