Since its inception by Professor Barbara Block prior to its maiden voyage in 2013, Stanford@SEA has taken hundreds of students out onto the Pacific Ocean to gain scientific field work experience and learn to sail a tall ship. The program is a partnership between Stanford University and the Sea Education Association, and it is the culmination of five weeks of intensive coursework during which students design a research project to be carried out on the voyage. I was fortunate to be on the teaching staff for the course's eighth iteration in 2017.
Field Research
Our vessel, the SSV Robert C. Seamans captained by the incomparable Pamela Coughlin, was outfitted with myriad oceanographic and ecological research equipment for use by the students on board. While on shore prior to the voyage, the teaching assistants (myself included) helped the class of 21 design, scope, and plan the research projects they would carry out once on board. The projects covered topics such as oceanography, reef ecology, marine biology, and even fluid dynamics, and most saw excellent results considering they were completed within the space of only six weeks and someone (us) needed to be sailing the ship during most of that time.
Tall Ship Sailing
While the Sea Education Association did provide professional sailing staff, as few as two would be on duty during each shift. The majority of the crew consisted instead of Stanford affiliates, and most of those were the students. The voyage's role as sailing class was thus a trial by fire of sorts. Luckily, though, the professional staff were skilled teachers, and the Robert C. Seamans was designed for beginners in spite of being 150 feet long. Once the initial seasickness subsided and we learned the ropes (or rather, “lines”), we were away and sailing with the best of them.
Culture
Me (2nd from right, sporting a volleyball injury), fellow crew members, and the family on Palmerston Island that hosted us overnight.
Each island was similar and each island was unique. We came to expect bare-bones bars and restaurants, WiFi credit stands, and fantastic local markets full of food, art, and jewelry. There was a strong Christian influence lingering from European colonization of the region. The next island always had something new to offer, as well. Mo'orea had shear volcanic cliffs, Palmerston had a feast of parrotfish, taro, and coconuts, and Vava'u had skilled artisans. I am forever grateful to the professional sailors we had on board for taking us straight to the most authentic culture centers on every island. It is incredible what you find when you know how to step away from the tourist traps.