They say a sailor’s plans are written in the sand at low tide. For our latest Sustainable Seas expedition, those words rang especially true.
From March 5th to March 14th, our crew was prepared to execute a rigorous research itinerary spanning the heart of the Leeward Islands. The plan was ambitious: a journey from Guadeloupe to Antigua, then on to Nevis, St. Kitts, the Caribbean Netherlands, St. Barths, and finally St. Martin. However, Mother Nature had other ideas.
The Forecast vs. Reality
While the Caribbean is famous for its steady trade winds, the conditions we encountered were far beyond “breezy.” With sustained winds howling between 20 to 30 knots and seas mounting to an aggressive 9 to 12 feet, the ocean became a no-go zone for safe research operations.
Like every other sensible crew in the islands, we made the call to stay in port. Safety always comes first, but for a team dedicated to marine sustainability and exploration, being “stuck” can be a hard pill to swallow—unless you have a plan B.
Turning the Tide: The “Refit” Expedition
If you can’t sail, you stabilize. We shifted our focus from the water to the vessel itself. We were incredibly fortunate to have Jeff Comer, a skilled electrical engineer, on board for this leg. While the waves crashed outside the harbor, we turned the interior of the boat into a high-tech workshop.
With Jeff’s expertise, we spent the week tackling critical maintenance projects that are often difficult to manage while underway:
- Wiring Overhaul: We systematically improved our onboard electrical systems, ensuring everything is ship-shape for future data collection.
- Starlink Installation: We successfully installed a new Starlink system, which will provide the high-speed connectivity essential for sharing our research in real-time from remote locations.
- Refrigeration Repair: In the tropical heat, a functioning fridge isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for crew morale and food preservation. We’re happy to report the system is back to peak efficiency.
The Sailor’s Spirit
The research might have been delayed, but the mission wasn’t lost. Sailing is as much about the community and the maintenance of the craft as it is about the destination. We made the best of our time together, sharing stories, troubleshooting technical glitches, and—in true Caribbean fashion—enjoying a little local rum to take the edge off the wind’s howl.
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor, but a week in port with a good engineer makes for a much better boat.”, said Dr. Roger Tipton
We are currently eyeing the next weather window to continue our mission for the seas. Stay tuned as we prepare to leave the dock and get back to the work we love.
Fair winds (hopefully soon), The Sustainable Seas Team
