In retrospect, the me of several months ago had no idea what she was getting into when she started to intern here. She was unprepared in so many ways that it was almost comical. So, this next– and final– post is a note to future interns.
Pack more cold weather clothes than you need. Lake Superior (if you go) is likely to be cold and wet. You might spend a week wearing the same three layers of clothing and only changing the top layer for day or night because you can’t bear the idea of being so cold so as to completely redo an outfit. Don’t worry, though– the cold is worth it. You just might spend some of those freezing nights on watch huddled up with trainee crewmates with a peanut butter and honey tortilla-wich having the most interesting conversations of your life. And on the hot days, the cold, deep blue water of the lake has never felt better (especially if you jump in by swinging from a rope, inflatable orca in hand as you’re cheered on in Spanish).
The more moisturizers and moisturizing shampoos you have, the better. The wind and sun will bleach your hair and tan your skin until you feel like a piece of leather that’s used as chafe gear. They’ll be extra useful to use in the showers on the shoreheads, which I guarantee you will be the best feeling in the world. Does an 8 minute shower seem short to you? Not anymore– it’s a luxury. You’ll return to the ship feeling like a real person.
Learn as much as you can as fast as you can. Learning how to sail is sort of like drinking water from a firehose. It’s going to be overwhelming, but the more you throw yourself into it the more you’ll get out of it. Soon, you’ll grow to love the all-consuming nature of sailing and how it brings you unimaginably close to your crewmates. Once you’re able to speak the language, it’s exhilarating– and useful. Sailors don’t ever stop talking about sailing. In bars, on their days off, at meals, it’s all sailing. You’ll find yourself doing it, too, because your life is so different now (and so much more beautiful).
Swim at every swim call you get (even if you’re running a fever). Jump from the headrig, fly off the rope swing, climb up the cliff to tumble into Lake Topaz, get thrown into the water by the first mate. Your memories will be so much better for it.
Pick a specific food to try at every port to compare and contrast. Mine was peanut butter chocolate smoothies. The ports will all blend together, so finding a ridiculous way to distinguish them helps you remember them more clearly. Plus, it gives you an excuse to explore a new town and see all it has to offer, from trails to delightful cafes to strange corner gift shops.
And finally– and certainly most importantly– please keep in mind that you will love your crewmates in a way you’ve never thought possible and surely do not understand right now. You will build something so incredibly strong and uniquely beautiful with them that it will be excruciating to leave. You might cry on the ferry ride home, or think about them every day. Either way, appreciate them while you’re there. They are your roommates, maintenance, coworkers, mentors, friends, tattoo artists, and more. They are each sore muscle and every belly laugh. They are everything.
Our summer series is over but you can still watch our adventures and read all of Katie's blogs here. Follow the Tall Ships America team on Instagram and Facebook @tallshipsamerica. Photo credits Katie Moore.
A huge thank you to the ships that hosted Katie on board this summer:
Pride of Baltimore II www.pride2.org
Nao Trinidad www.fundacionnaovictoria.org
St. Lawrence II www.tallshipexpeditions.com .