A message from the Head of School, Class Afloat, based on the report of Matt Allmann Shipboard Director.

Dear Friends and Families,

After another busy port the Concordia and her crew set sail this afternoon from Walvis Bay - they are leaving Africa and are headed back across the ocean once more ... but this time we don't foresee any 29 day sails! The vessel remains on schedule to arrive into St. Helena on April 27th.

I received a lot of positive feedback on the port programs in Namibia - exploring the moonscapes and dunes, a cultural trip into the townships and the student-led C.A.R.E. (Class Afloat Ripple Effect - a garden project) project. The CARE project in particular was a success - it had its moments and challenges but we're very proud of the effort and energy of the students and of all their work. This was a wonderful learning experience for all and though tiring, very worthwhile. It was wonderful to see our South African Floaties join the C.A.R.E. project, of which they only became familiar over the past sail, with enthusiasm.

This next sail will serve to help solidify group norms for our expanded crew. The first days in any new community can be challenging as everyone adapts to new faces and new dynamics. Seasickness for our newer crew will hopefully subside on this passage and Class Afloat expectations (being on time to class and watch, pitching in as part of the community when needed) will start to become second nature. It is sometimes difficult for our longer-term students to remember what it was like when they joined in September or February, before they became a "crew" and our way of life became "normal" for them, but I am very impressed with their energy and enthusiasm to integrate our new Floaties and to see the positive aspects of a growing family. I hope that our South African families have heard positive reports of the first leg of the journey from their students and that they are enjoying themselves to date!

Have a great weekend!

Best,
Kate