Bringing volunteers on a CalCOFI cruise is generally a win-win for everyone. For the scientists, having help deploying and recovering gear, sampling the CTD, and filtering water is key. For the volunteers, it’s a great way to gain experience working in the field. The usual applicants have finished their undergraduate degree in a science field and are sorting out what comes next – career, … Read More
Weather
Whatever I was planning to do and write about today (plankton) got superseded by the weather that found us. About 200 miles west of LA, 30+ knot winds kicked waves up to 20 feet. R/V Sally Ride‘s dynamic positioning system got to show off, keeping us to within a few meters of the same spot for about an hour while the … Read More
Sunsets
You may think that as oceanographers and mariners, the scientists and crew members aboard R/V Sally Ride might be immune to the beauty of the natural wonders around us. But we’re not, even after many years and many miles – and I think that’s exactly why we’re in this line of work. We don’t get tired of seeing gorgeous sunsets, leaping … Read More
Steak on Sundays
Steak is the traditional Sunday dinner, and when the weather allows it, grilling takes place on the back deck. It’s an unofficial duty of the Chief Engineer, onboard Sally Ride that’s Paul Bueren. The cooks prepare the meat and make the side dishes – today’s include baked potatoes, mac’n’cheese, squash, plus a cheese platter and cucumber and lox bites. The … Read More
19 Points
It’s a time honored tradition on SIO research vessels to play cribbage. On my first cruise on the since-retired R/V Melville, I entered the tournament before learning how to play the game. If you’re coming aboard, I recommend brushing up on the rules. How to Play Cribbage R/V Sally Ride’s very first cribbage tournament is underway. And don’t think we let … Read More
Let’s Science!
The first official science cruise aboard R/V Sally Ride is underway! Just after 0800 the ship left Point Loma. As we left a fogged-in San Diego bay, the restech Keith gave an overview of the ship to the science party, including safety and drill information, situational awareness, and housekeeping basics. There’s a lot to know about, even if you’ve been onboard … Read More
WIRED tour and unanswered questions
Scripps Ships Operations director Bruce Appelgate gave WIRED magazine a tour of the R/V Sally Ride while it was docked in San Francisco. It was done via Facebook Live, so there were a lot of questions asked in the comments. The videos below cover many of them, and more have been covered already in other blog posts, but I’m going … Read More
Cup Rack
The cup rack is ready! Present on many of the oceanographic research vessels I’ve sailed on, the cup rack keeps you honest. If there is just a stash of cups, many people leave them behind all over the ship. Make coffee, take it to the lab, set it down, forget about it. Other people don’t want to clean up after … Read More
Wanted: More Board Games
Down time activities are an important part of life at sea. As such, the lounge onboard is usually occupied by scientists and crew alike, enjoying their free time before and after shifts. Requirements include comfy couches and chairs, a big screen TV, huge movie library, and a table for playing games. So far, the only two board games on R/V Sally … Read More
Ready for Sundays!
Just before I left Anacortes last week, a very special delivery was made to the R/V Sally Ride – the ship’s grill! A tradition on all SIO research vessels, Sunday night is steak night and the Chief Engineer grills out on deck. If the weather is good, many of us will eat outside as well, which is a nice change … Read More