On the 8th of November, we left Morocco to go back to sea. It felt weird at first because we had readjusted to life on land during the past week, but we quickly got back into our routine of daily life on the ship. As much as I was sad because the time we spent in port was incredible, I was happy to finally be back to the boat and sail again. The boat was not rocking so much because the waves and wind were pretty calm. It made the time to get to La Palma, Canary Islands, very enjoyable. Every day, on day watch, we had the opportunity to set the sails and be on the helm to control the direction of the boat. There is nothing that can beat a very sunny day when the water is so blue, and all the sails are up. As we were on watch, many big dolphins were jumping high out of the water. There was a big group of them following our boat, putting on a show for us.

The voyage from Madeira to Morocco was only 4 days but felt like an eternity. Shortly after departing Funchal, Madeira, everyone was refreshed and excited for the short sail to Morocco. Shortly after that, the mood changed. As soon as we cleared the islands’ shelter, we were hit by 25 knot winds (40+ km/h) and up to 6m swells. Just 30 minutes into the rough water, the excitement faded, and the breezeways were packed with sick and tired Floaties. A few of us, including myself, felt right at home in these tough conditions and before we knew it, we were doing 9 knots of speed with only 4 sails: the forstaysail, mainstaysail, inner jib, and lower topsail.

After spending an amazing seven days immersed in the marvellous Moroccan culture, Class Afloat set sail towards the Canary Islands, towards our parents. The anticipation was unreal. After the amazing adventures in Morocco, both students and staff were reluctant to leave. Nevertheless, the thought of seeing parents for the first time in two months made us willing to be back on the Gulden Leeuw again. We unpacked our bargained goods onto the ship; sea chests filled up with Moroccan pottery, spices, clothing, and possibly, but probably, illegal dates (illegal as there is no food allowed in the dorms).

CLASS AFLOAT TOP TEN

Selection criteria: Photos must be taken by a Class Afloat student and must have been posted on Instagram (not necessarily taken) during the month for which they are to be considered for Top Ten. 

Our second stop in Portugal was without a doubt as breathtaking as the first, with it’s beautiful mountains, it’s coastal houses and it’s rich culture.

We arrived in Mallorca, refreshed after only a short sail from Porto. I was on watch to raise the anchor and for arrival in port. I was the jumper which meant my job was to go ashore when we arrived in port. We showed great teamwork as Ellie, Alex and Joe rushed to throw over the dock lines to me on port side with Crew directing. We were soon secured quay side and all of us on watch collapsed in exhaustion from the weight of the ropes and the heat of Mallorca. Others were finishing the last classes of the day, eager to explore the surprise port as I rushed off to English and then Chemistry. 

While I was preparing for Class Afloat I never imagined what an important role the galley played or that working in it would become a favourite part of my day. Each week Cody assigns us certain days that we will work in galley. I love to be in galley because we get to learn so much. Often times Frank or Collin will have us look up and make recipes independently.

Horchatas earthy taste remains in my mouth as I pass through the doors of the aquarium. I had just sipped the milky drink made from tiger-nut for the first time. I bought it from a vendor outside of the property making capital off of cramped water cages entrapping animals much too big for the distance between walls, containing them in an unnatural habitat.

Once again we are happy to offer our Class Afloat community the opportunity to sail the tall ship, Gulden Leeuw. This year our sail will take place January 10th to 16th, 2019 while our students are home for a well-earned rest between Semesters 1 and 2. 

All Alumni, family and friends of Class Afloat are welcome to join!

The 2019 Class Afloat Foundation Alumni Sail is special. Through The Class Afloat Foundation, all proceeds from registration fees will be donated to support the work of the Foundation, providing scholarships that will help make a Class Afloat student's dream come true.