Almost Home

Update from the ship's librarian, Rich Delbango:

It's been over a week and a half since any of us has stepped on dry land.  The mini city that is the Empire State VI keeps humming along towards home. As finals draw near, everyone is getting anxious. Supposedly we are to reach Montauk on Saturday afternoon and anchor there for some last minute drills.  On Sunday, we will move south and west along Long Island to Sandy Hook where we will anchor again overnight. Monday morning we will take the pilot on board and begin the last part of the voyage through New York harbor and up the East River. The ship is scheduled to dock at 10 AM to be greeted by loved ones welcoming their sailors home.  The adventure that was the Summer Sea Term 2015 will be over.

Richard Delbango

Ship's Librarian

Sailing Along

An update from the ship's librarian, Rich Delbango:

It's been five days since we left our last port and the cadets and crew have been working hard to finish all of their duties in the few days that remain.  We hit the Azores on Tuesday and lingered there for two days, sailing around the beautiful blue waters that the islands' name reflects.  Unfortunately, we had to drop off an ill cadet for medical treatment.  We left the Azores last evening and are sailing along in calm seas with beautiful blue skies.  The weather on this cruise has been spectacular.  Other than a few sprinkles in Belfast and some cloudy days sailing to the Mediterranean, it has been nothing but sunshine.  Today in the mid-Atlantic, it is absolutely gorgeous. Light seas, warm temperatures and an unlimited view to the horizon. Everyone tries to get out as much as they can to enjoy the fresh air.  Yesterday, a school of marlin was sighted off the port side. A spectacular sight! As we draw closer to home, we are regaining the hours lost on the eastward bound part of the cruise.  Every 2 days we are hitting a new time zone and resetting the clocks back an hour. The extra hour each time is welcome for some additional rest.  Eleven days to go.

Richard Delbango

Ship's Librarian