After a busy week sailing around the Mediterranean’s largest island of Sicily and an active night in the old town of Ortigia in Syracuse, we began a welcome two-day crossing of the Ionian Sea eastward to Greece. The gentle rocking motion overnight let us know that the forecasted northwesterly winds had begun, and at 8 a.m. the sailors went aloft to set the sails for the day.
What a wind! Thus far the winds had been very light throughout this voyage, but Sea Cloud was a different animal with a moderate northwesterly breeze filling her sails. We set all the square sails, including the highest sky sail at 180 feet (!), and the inner and outer jibs with the fore topmast staysail on the forecastle. What a sight! What a feeling! This was real square-rigger sailing at six knots with a slight heel to starboard, and many of us scurried about with cameras exploring the ship with a whole new perspective.
Marine archaeologist Robyn Woodward gave a fascinating talk on the science of underwater archaeology, where ancient shipwrecks are methodically excavated as time capsules of history. Our photo instructor Johnathan Aguas led a workshop walk around the ship to explore details and perspective of this sailing ship that holds so many interesting angles and patterns. And with the steady winds, Captain Pushkarev decided to keep most of the square sails up for an overnight sail through the Ionian Sea. This was a perfect sailing day on Sea Cloud, and we look forward to doing it again tomorrow.
