Teacher Aboard

Being a bit of rookie to the business of tall ships, I never really gave much thought to how the captain would spend his time. While Hollywood would have us envision (see) him at the wheel gallantly steering his ship, in truth the captain spends little time on the helm ( steering). For the most part, the only times the captain steers the ship are when the rough seas are tricky enough to require his experienced touch, when entering into a new harbor to "grandstand" (sail around for show), or when most of the crew are occupied handling sails.

Much of the day, the captain spends time interpreting barometers, radio weather reports, and weather maps which are faxed to the ship. His interpretation will determine his choice of sails, sail trim and the ship's course. He also maintains the ship's record activity, written up in logs, about safety, finance, immigration, and customs. On a daily basis he communicates to the home office pertinent (important) information about the day's events such as position, conditions, or concerns.

As the ship's spokesperson, he serves as the ambassador for the City of Baltimore and State of Maryland to meet dignitaries (important foreign leaders) and to answer questions for the media (TV and newspaper). In a more general sense, the captain must oversee the duties of the crew. His watchful eye must guide their activities on the constant maintenance of ship. Ultimately he is responsible for their safety and general morale (good attitude). In spare moments during the day, he writes his log for the Web page.

Pride of Baltimore II has two full time captains, Captain Jan Miles and Captain Dan Parrott. While the ship is at sea (like it has been for the past year sailing to Asia and back), the captains take turns being in command of the ship for two months at a time. When one is on the ship, the other is in the Pride Office in Baltimore planning for the next leg of the voyage. During the winter time, both captains supervise crews who perform serious maintenance to keep the ship in top working order and get her ready for the next season of sailing. They also help plan future voyages.

When in a foreign port or in severe weather, the demands on the captain's time can be draining. Ultimately the safe passage of the ship and crew and the success of business commitments in each new port rest on their shoulders. For example, right now Captain Parrott is dodging hurricanes off Mexico while attempting to deliver Pride II to Panama on schedule.

WATER EVERYWHERE AND NOT A DROP TO DRINK

In Pride II's ocean crossings of 5,000 miles, it is interesting to be surrounded by an endless horizon of water and realize that none of is suitable (safe) to drink. Excessive (too much) saltwater will cause the cells of the body to shrink and lead to death. Pride II's crew of twelve plus passengers need 50 to 100 gallons of fresh water daily. Even though water is used sparingly (with conservation in mind) when cooking, washing dishes, and taking a NAVY (short) shower every other day, the ship's two 150 gallon tanks cannot carry all the water needed for a long trip.

To supplement (add to) this water supply, Pride II uses a "water maker." This machine removes the salt from seawater (ocean) to make fresh (drinkable) water. The seawater is first filtered to remove plankton (tiny living things) and sand. (In some of the muddy rivers in China, there was more sediment than the filters could handle and the water maker could not be used - we had to buy water to fill the tanks!)

After any oil is separated out, the water then passes though high pressure tubes where the small water molecules (pieces) squeeze through a tiny screen-like membrane which has holes too small for the salt molecules. Only the fresh water gets through the membrane. For you science minds, this is called "reverse osmosis". The water is finally exposed to ultra-violet light to kill germs, and passed through a carbon filter for flavor. Pride II 's water maker can make 50 gallons per hour. But at a price tag of $10,000 for the unit, fresh water isn't cheap. However, when there is saltwater everywhere and not a drop to drink, price is hardly an issue!

ADIOS, AMERICA!

San Diego, the last port in America for a few weeks, was savored (enjoyed) to the very last minute. Once again family and friends had made the journey to meet with some of the crew. San Diego is rich in Spanish-Mexican heritage (history). Its sunny climate, Spanish architecture, and fabulous Mexican restaurants made for an excellent place for families to vacation with crew members. Meanwhile Pride II needed to be outfitted with food and supplies for the 1,400 miles journey to Mexico. But right on schedule, she slipper her American dock lines and headed toward Acapulco, Mexico.

Hasta la vista, amigos (till we meet again),
Leslie Bridgett

Special thanks to the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau for the use of images and maps of San Diego.

YOUR THOUGHTS

1. Why is the tall ship, Star of India, an interesting museum ship?
2. Imagine you are a crew member on the Star of India. Write a page in your journal telling about one of the exciting incidents that occurred on her voyages.
3. How does a tall ship reflect (show) the skills of the crew who sail her?
4. Tell why you would, or would not, like to be jet fighter pilot on an aircraft carrier.
5. If you could be an animal trainer or caretaker at the San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Park, what part of the zoo would you like to work in and what would your responsibilities include?
6. What part of being the Captain of Pride of Baltimore II would you enjoy the most? Why?
7. If the people on Pride II use 75 gallons of water a day, how many gallons of water are needed for a 28 days crossing? If the tanks hold 300 gallons, how many times would the tanks have to filled by the water maker for those 28 days?
8. Where do you get YOUR water?

Return to the first part of the October 9, 1998 log.

Start

Back

Ahead