At 1000 Atlantic Standard Time, the Training Ship Empire State was underway with Willemstad, Curacao on the horizon. She was steering course 180 degrees true at a speed of 12.8 knots. Seas were calm and the depth of water beneath the keel was 250 meters. The morning was perfect for departure.
Optimism wins out again.
At 0845, we hauled the last line aboard and maneuvered carefully away from the dock. Shortly thereafter, the pilot debarked, and at 0954, we took departure from Willemstad, Curacao and began Sea Term 2001, chapter two. Now I have writer's cramp. What more can we do or say that will top the excitement, the hard work, and the accomplishments of the past week. The Cadets were remarkable, the staff was superb, and the help we received at every juncture was absolutely first class.