http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.phtml?$station=buzm3

Conditions at BUZM3 as of (2:00 pm EDT) 1800 GMT on 10/26/2001:

Wind Direction (WDIR):  WSW ( 250 deg )
Wind Speed (WSPD):  31 kts
Wind Gust (GST):  35 kts
Wave Height (WVHT):  6.2 ft
Dominant Wave Period (DPD):  6 sec
Atmospheric Pressure (PRES):  29.64 in
Pressure Tendency (PTDY):  -0.06 in ( Falling )
Air Temperature (ATMP):  55.2 °F
Water Temperature (WTMP):  60.3 °F
Dew Point (DEWP):  35.6 °F

Most students arrived after 1930 last night with the full compliment on board by 0700 breakfast today. It was blowing as you can see from the Buzzards Bay Buoy report (above). After an orientation to the ship, we discussed reevaluating our goals to get to Stellwagen bank due to the weather. Getting to the bank would be a quick downwind run, but with the wind predicted to blow westerly over the weekend, we would have a hard time coming back. With the October temperature and early sunsets we decided to focus our efforts in Buzzards Bay.

We were underway close to 1030 with the goal to try to make it through Quicks Hole and end up in Tarpaulin Cove. The farther we got into Buzzards Bay the more we felt the effects of the near gale force winds. With a bit of a southern component to the Westerly winds our attempts to make it through Quicks was aborted as the deck was wet and many felt the discomfort of the 4-6 foot seas. A change of course putting the seas on our quarter brought us quickly to the lee of West Island. With the persistent wind we did not even attempt the planned otter trawl for the day, but laid out two shots of anchor chain and settled in for the rest of the afternoon.

Alan Hankin began the water quality testing station and fishing lines, traps and plankton nets went overboard. Skates and dogfish were caught and anchor bearings and watches ran as usual.

Captain: Amanda Madeira
Program Coordinator: Inette Rex
Emerson Faculty: Alan Lee Hankin, PhD, Claire Andrade Watkins