Where in the World? 9 Jul 2009
Author: Hanna SanfordLocation: Qatar, Thailand, Japan, The Air, Turkey, France, LA, NY, Home
Some of us slept on the planes, some of us slept in the airports, some of us slept on Argo. We left some people in Bangkok and we're leaving more today. It really frankly stinks. We hung out in Tokyo airport reminiscing, well most of us. We did a final squeeze session and most of the group left for NY.
Squeeze question: What Argo phrase are you going to take home with you?
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Thai "Land Food," Shopping and Goodbyes... 8 Jul 2009
Author: Evan SawanLocation: Bangkok, Thailand
Today was our final day in Thailand. We started out with a last breakfast on Argo, and finished up some of our last minute packing. After sending our bags on a few dinghy trips, it became our time to leave. Following our goodbyes to Beaker, Dan, Sam, Tom and Argo, we stuffed both our bags and ourselves into the tiny buses we had been on the first day. We set off to the airport to drop off our bags. After our second bus rides (with very confused drivers) we were able to enjoy a quick and exciting tour at the James Thompson House. After that, we managed to fit in a little more eating and shopping time at MBK. Eventually, the time had come. Satya and I left early for our international flights, of course, after an AMAZING "goodbye session" with our shipmates....and those were the last moments of Argo's 2009 crew...
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Good Day 7 Jul 2009
Author: Arthur SimonnetLocation: Pattaya, Thailand
This morning we ate pancakes and eggs, it's very very good. I ate six pancakes because the pancakes were very delicious!!! After breakfast we wash the boat. Pack the bags. We polish off the boat. Then we ate lunch and clean more. We took sailing test and sailed from Koh Sak. We wrote the cards to each other about the trip and what we like about them. For dinner we ate pizza and drank soda: Sprite, Fanta, and Coca Cola. I like this. We watched slideshow with pictures from the trip (AQ 2009). We are very sad because AQ is very nice and we will miss our friends and staff.
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4th of July 5 Jul 2009
Author: Satya ZomerLocation: Koh Samet, Thailand
We had a rather exciting day. It started off rather calmly with everyone filling out their certification signatures so they could gain their diving certifications that we have been works towards. Then we were given shore time from about 10:00 am to 3:00-4:00 pm. We then made the ship ready to sail before returning to the beach at 7:00 for a fourth of July dinner. We even saw fireworks. Once we returned to Argo, we started sailing to Pattaya.
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Onwards to Koh Samet 4 Jul 2009
Author: Alex CernichiariLocation: Koh Samet, Thailand
After an exciting day on Koh Chan we awoke to some quite soggy conditions - the first full rainstorm of the trip. We quickly raised anchor before breakfast and began our relatively short passage to Koh Samet. After breaking into watch teams many shipmates caught up on some rest while the advanced sailors continued their course work. The skies finally parted for lunch and the wind picked up nicely which allowed the crew to raise sail and enjoy the power of the wind - if only for a short while as dive exams commenced in the early afternoon. No word yet on the passing rate but we feel confident with our knowledge and diving experience. We weren't quite in the sun at that point as we had our second extremely informative and interesting Marine Biology lecture. We arrived in Koh Samet just before dinner so we quickly doused sail and anchored before eating. After dinner a reflective and deep Lifeworks Forum followed a hasty clean up. We look forward to a day on shore for Independence Day!
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Elephant Island 3 Jul 2009
Author: Matthew Peter DenglerLocation: Koh Chang, Thailand
Today was my favorite day thus far on the trip. Even a 6 am fire drill calling all hands on deck could not damage our spirits, because not only was one of our shipmates turning 15 but also we were headed ashore to Koh Chang to ride the elephants. 2 by 2 we loaded onto our respective elephants and headed up a narrow trail into the mountainside. The best part came when the elephants entered a deeper part of the stream, bent down and threw us off for a quick swim in the refreshingly cool water. After eating lunch like kings we headed back to the boat and got mother Argo ready for tomorrow's sail. We showered up and after much deliberation, the boat's newly founded fraternity -Omega Theta Beta- planned a "classy night" in honor of Ceci's birthday. We all gathered in the cockpit to squeeze and marveled at the colorful crepuscular light bounding off the water from the incredible sunset. This is the trip of a lifetime and I am very thankful I'm a part of it.
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Turks' Heads and Petitions 2 Jul 2009
Author: Cecilia EmdenLocation: Koh Chang, Thailand
Today was a pretty relaxed day. After breakfast and clean up, a few of us went up to the bow sprit and played a game where you have to answer questions as you're jumping off the boat. We had a ton of fun just messing around. Our game ended however, for an hour of sail instructions and review on sailing vocabulary and different parts of boats. From there we organized another excursion to the cute little resort on the beach. We came back in time for lunch, and to prepare for our short motor to Koh Chang. While underway we had some nice boat bonding, as everyone was either reading, working on a turks' head or just talking down below in the saloon. During dinner I presented Dan with a petition signed by everyone on the boat requesting to do a boom swing. He said he'd try to see if we can fit it in, which should be fun. We're all ready for our Lifeworks Forum tonight and by the looks of it, tomorrow should be really exciting! Today has been a really good day, and we're ending it anchored in a beautiful bay and hopefully with a meaningful chat tonight.
btw- tomorrow is my birthday
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Co-co-nut 1 Jul 2009
Author: Spencer FloresLocation: Koh Chang, Thailand
Today started again at midnight because we were still underway. The ocean was calm but sadly the wind was calmer. We ended up motoring the rest of the way to Koh Chang. After a quick satisfying bowl of cereal, we finally made anchor. A quick swim led into a monstrous BA or boat appreciation. We worked hard to make Argo shine as bright as the North Star. We had a lunch of tuna and pbandj sandwiches. After that was a day of relaxation. Most of us went to shore where there was an amazing beach and a place to get much needed sweets and junk food. We all went our separate ways on shore but couldn't help but to return to our safe haven of soda and ice cream. When the time came, we all had to return to the shining Argo. Some brought back coconuts or as Rory likes to call them "co-co-nuts." It was fun watching Tommy try to hack his way into the sweet fruit. We all took normal salt water showers and sat down for the squeeze question and then enjoyed an awesome dinner. Now that this day is winding down we all look forward for the good times to come.
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360 Horizon 30 Jun 2009
Author: Renee GearyLocation: Underway in the Gulf of Thailand
Today started early, watch teams were out at the stroke of midnight. When day broke we saw the 360 horizon and water all around. Since we are underway we had cereal for breakfast. We proceeded sailing and at noon we ate lunch. After lunch everyone went down to watch a movie. The movie was about Irving Johnson, the Peking, her crew and experiences as he traveled around Cape Horn. Afterwards Open Water divers learned how to work with the dive tables. The advanced sailors met and talked about earning specific certificates. Then everyone got the chance to take "naked" showers in the heads, and I know everyone enjoyed that! Watch kept going as we keep sailing. At six we did our squeeze question. The day was overall very peaceful. Being on Argo is amazing. When you see her sails fly and everyone working together in harmony it is one of the best feelings in the world!
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Diving in Koh Tao 29 Jun 2009
Author: Jordan GlaubingerLocation: Koh Tao, Thailand
Today we spent the day anchored in an amazing spot between two Koh Tao islands that had a beach sand bridge connecting them. Today everyone had two dives in the most clear and reefy parts of the trip. Open Water divers went on their third and fourth dives, Advanced went on a wreck dive which was exciting, and finally Rescue had a fun dive however our instructors kept us on our toes with made up scenarios that included rescuing a non-responsive diver being given CPR and oxygen, a panic diver and a tired diver. Late in the day we set up Argo to be ready for our night passage to Koh Chang. The passage is roughly 190 miles but thankfully it is downwind sailing. Once the scuba gear was stowed away we raised the sails and began to set sail heading at 55 degrees true of 70 to 75 degrees magnetic. Watch Team 1 took the deck to start and the weather seemed clear and perfect for a sail.
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Scuba Diving, Snorkeling and more Scuba 28 Jun 2009
Author: Jonah HarrisLocation: Koh Tao, Thailanad
Today the crew of S/Y Argo partook in a variety of water activities. Those of us not inclined to breathe canned air spent the day snorkeling, the more challenging and glamorous cousin of scuba. Our rations were typical, with the exception of a dinner smorgasbord highlighted by chocolate cake. This was a reward for the efficient manner in which the day's business was conducted largely thanks to the exemplary leadership provided by the skipper. Despite being anchored the entire day in Koh Tao, much work on the decks was necessary. Notably, I was hoisted up the mast with the bosun's chair and climbed along the spreaders to repair a flag. There will be scuba tomorrow in the morning, but afterwards the focus will shift more to sailing.
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Sailing to Koh Tao 27 Jun 2009
Author: Meredith HarrisLocation: Koh Tao, Thailand
Today we sailed all the way from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. We learned more about sailing from Captain Dan and practiced tacking! I was at the helm while we were sailing and I had a blast! It was a beautiful sail and we all had the opportunity to take pictures of Argo. That was my favorite part of the day. Argo is an amazing ship and I'm glad I get to show everyone at home how great it is.
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Crepes and Ice Cream 26 Jun 2009
Author: Michael LebowLocation: Koh Phangan, Thailand
We woke up early this morning to the rocking of the ship and the smell of delicious French toast (Arthur loved it). We ate while motoring to Koh Phangan and then prepared to dive. The Advanced Divers did their navigation dive while the Rescue Divers continued to work on their skills. The Open Water Divers were happy to go on their first actual dive, but the visibility was so bad we could hardly see our own hands. After diving we had lunch (egg salad sandwiches) and then had our first sail chat! Then we made the boat ready for our sail tomorrow to Koh Tao. Then we went to shore for about an hour, where everyone enjoyed ice cream and crepes (Yum!). After walking around town we went back to the boat and showered. Our showers were surprisingly fun today---we ate dinner, cleaned up, put the scuba gear away and are now getting ready for our first Lifeworks Forum. Although we will not be celebrating a full moon party on Koh Phangan we will party on our own on Argo under the sliver of the moon.
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Land Ho! 25 Jun 2009
Author: Jane MaguireLocation: Koh Samui, Thailand
Today we were released onto the land. Yippee! We got on our buses at 8:30 and started our adventure. We first went to see a huge golden Buddha and walked around the little cute shops. We then went to the Rocks which looked like the Baths in the BVIs. We then visited another temple which had a huge Buddha and the Indian Buddha, which I forget the name for. It was gorgeous. We then traveled to a temple which the locals used. We met many Thai children and they were ecstatic to meet us. We also got cool bracelets from a monk. After, we went to a waterfall and it was so cool!! There were elephants walking through the river while we were jumping off rocks. We then had a delicious lunch and Michael got "attacked" by a lizard and screamed like a girl. Then we got two hours of free time in the town with a group which was really fun to explore. At 4:30 we headed back to the boat and took showers, ate dinner and partied (not actually though). What is really cool though is that every night on the island is New Years so there are fireworks and people light these candles in fabric and let them go and they float up, which is super cool. Anyway life on the boat is great. Hi Mom.
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Reaching Koh Samui, Finally! 24 Jun 2009
Author: Elaine MillerLocation: Koh Samui, Thailand
This morning after 38 long hours, we finally dropped anchor off the coast of Koh Samui, a wonderful, large touristy island that we will get to explore tomorrow. This especially excited us rescue divers, as we haven't touched land since Bangkok. We gave Argo some respect this morning with a nice long BA (boat appreciation). After a late lunch, the divers divided up and all our open water divers finished up their last confined dive. This means, in layman's terms, the open waters are ready for open water! After a spontaneous "girls dress-up" for dinner, we wrapped up with a night chat about policies and procedures. It was a strenuous, but fun day!
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First Sail 23 Jun 2009
Author: Rebecca PelofskyLocation: Underway in the Gulf of Thailand
We set sail last night and continued to sail for the entire day. There were a few upset stomachs but so far no vomiting. This is quite impressive considering this is the roughest passage that we will be sailing. We worked in shifts of three hours on, six hours off. During shift we steered at the helm, sat on bow watch and checked the boat for any malfunctions. Off watch, we caught up on some much needed rest. We will continue to sail throughout the night and reach Koh Samui sometime tomorrow morning.
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Getting Ready for Sailing 22 Jun 2009
Author: Meir RazzonLocation: Koh Rin, Thailand
Today Argo started sailing at 6 am while many of us were still sleeping. Everybody woke up when the fire alarm system started to ring at 6:45 for a drill. We ate breakfast while we were still heading to Koh Rin. After that we went diving. It was certainly a great experience for beginners and I'm pretty sure that the more advanced people had fun. After lunch on the deck we started to learn about sailing, which was pretty exciting since we will sail all through tonight. You may not believe it but we took showers by soaping are heads and bodies and jumping in the sea. Honestly, it was much more enjoyable that taking a bubble bath. After showering we ate dinner together. We are getting the deck clean and putting the sails up because on amazing night is about to commence.
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The Beginning 21 Jun 2009
Author: Cameron RhodesLocation: Koh Sak, Thailand
Today was our first full day on Argo. We shared our first breakfast on the deck, preparing for a long day ahead. The rest of the day was dedicated to diving around a small island called Koh Sak. Many of us had our first breaths underwater while others worked towards higher certifications. As the day progressed it became more evident that the group meshes well. We are from many parts of the world and share many interests, laughs and stories. Today was truly the beginning of an awesome trip. We are sure to have a lot of fun!
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Let the Fun Times Begin 20 Jun 2009
Author: Leah ShopneckLocation: Pattaya, Thailand
All is well and in full swing in Southeast Asia for the new crew of Argo. Just last night a group of new faces arrived in Bangkok, Thailand to begin a sailing adventure in the Gulf of Thailand. But before their new home became reality, a tour of Bangkok ensued. Compliments of Jim and Sam, the new Argonauts enjoyed a tour of the Venice of Southeast Asia via longtail boats. Motoring up and down the Bangkok river, they visited the Royal Palace, several Buddhist temples and the inner workings of the local canal system. After the day in the city came to an end, everyone made their way to Pattaya to board their new home for the next few weeks. Smiles and laughter could be heard throughout the boat as everyone explored the depths of the boat and familiarized themselves with life aboard. Now as the day comes to an end, students begin to drift off to bed with full stomachs of local Thai cuisine, happy memories of Bangkok, and anticipation for what is to come.
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Sail Away 6 Jan 2009
Author: Sami-Jo Wood-GeerLocation: Koh Sak, Thailand
Last night was our last night passage, and today was our last passage back to Koh Sak. This morning a storm passed threw as we were sailing and this afternoon another storm came threw after we arrived at Koh Sak. The afternoon was pretty laid back; some people swam and jumped off the bowsprit, read books, packed, or slept. Tonight as we were ending dinner Michael had a huge laugh attack, and it was hilarious. For about 20 minutes everyone was laughing. I know I'm definitely going to miss Argo and so will everyone else.
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