and dry bulb readings . It was a long watch and I was glad to be relieved by the oncoming 0400- 0800 QMOW .
Conditions below deck were not too bad – except that , for some reason , the ship ’ s heating system wasn ’ t keeping up with the cold temperatures . Many of the crew , including yours truly , slept in their clothing and piled on additional extra layers . Remember – EAGLE is not a cruise ship !
ALITTLE SPICE was added to the adventure when Ensign Snuggs , the Officer of the Deck at the time , noticed that the fore upper topsail was beginning to rip . Up into the rig went the assigned crew and the sail was dutifully taken in and secured to the yard
( after the blow , the damaged sail was removed , and repairs were performed , on deck ).
There is something beautiful , indeed majestic , about a fully developed sea state . When the visibility improved , we were treated to one of the great spectacles of nature .
Despite the heavy winds and seas , the ship ’ s ride was actually quite comfortable . EAGLE was designed as an ocean going vessel and , when handled properly , heavy weather can be both relatively safe and fun .
Yes , the gale was fun - cold temperatures and assorted precipitation notwithstanding .
ALL STORMS must come to an end . The heavy weather began to subside after about 36 hours and , eventually , we resumed the normal ship ’ s routine .
Article adapted from D-7 Connection , a publication of District 070 Seventh . Used by permission .
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