Welcome back, don’t worry I haven’t gone anywhere. We have been delayed due to a circuit breaker issue. The issue has caused the first leg of the mission to be scrapped. Alex, the other intern, and I have been given tasks to work on while we are stuck at port.
This operation issue has been a big letdown, and with the first leg of the mission being scrapped, we will be spending the first three weeks of our internship at port. Thankful there are great and friendly people who work with us and have helped us continue to learn even stuck at port. The big project we have been working on this week is sanding and preparing the keel pods to be painted.
Alex and I had to get safety glasses and respirators so we could scrap and sand off the old paint from the pods. The pods are made of aluminum and need to be coated in marine antifouling paint. The antifouling paint helps to prevent barnacle buildup while under the water. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, the direct John Swallows had us gather and vacuum up all the paint chips and dust to keep it from running into the bay.
The issues with the circuit breaker have been very disappointing and the time lost at sea even more so but I am still trying to make the best of the situation and learn from the wise and friendly staff here. I also purchased an old bike so I could ride around and explore more of Lewes.
Until next time,
Jake the Intern