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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