January 6: To Sea!

Atlantis the morning of departure.
(photo by Chris German, WHOI)

We are all extremely excited that Atlantis finally left Port Everglades near Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at 8:00 a.m. on January 6. The ship will take roughly two and one half days to reach its first station over the Mid-Cayman Rise just south of Cuba.

Before embarking, the science team was very busy preparing Atlantis for departure. Everyone was to be on board by January 4 so we could ensure a full day on the 5^th to unpack, unload equipment, and secure everything on board. It was also the time to give loved ones a good-bye phone call, as communication is now very limited from the ship.

The science team in their "gumby suits."

The morning of the 6^th was slightly hectic as the LAST shipment of equipment arrived at 7:30 a.m.—just 30 minutes before departure! Luckily everything went off without a hitch.  So far it has been mostly clear skies and calm waters and we’re off to a great start.

After departing. the science team had safety training, which involved putting immersion suits—better known as "gumby suits"—and afterwards deploying a rescue boat as part of a practice drill.

Heading west

After heading south past the Florida Keys, we turned west, into the sunset to skirt Cuba, and right now we have nothing but smooth sailing.