Testing the waters (and ship!)

Today we left the shipyard in Falkenberg to sail to Rönnäng. This was a big deal as the ship has not been formally sailed in 2.5 years since being taken over by new ownership. At that time the vessel was in very poor condition and the new owner (Björn) has spent the last 2.5 years re-building the ship mechanically (can’t find the fingers crossed emoji!).

I have been doing a stellar job of looking like I know what is going on and making myself useful and have asked a total of zero more dumb questions! Have been working and learning many new things from compressors for the science/dive team, winch plates and l’attitude lines to IT and of course shopping for all things a ship might need while being set up for expedition life (never want to see an IKEA again!).

Feeling very comfortable on-board, figure I have now collectively slept 21 nights on this ship! Captain Stéphan Guy and 1st Officer arrived yesterday from Canada and having worked/sailed with Stéphan previously on Canada C3/Polar Prince is quite comforting.

The staff both from SOI and the crew who are primarily Filipino are stellar, lots of hard work, team work, laughs and Tik tok videos! There is even a karaoke room (stay tuned for that!).

We are very well taken care of and it is amazing how much you can do in a day when everyone has there set areas of work (no cooking, cleaning or laundry for me = heaven).

The MV Polar Athena (previously Polar Pioneer) is described as Ice breaker strength, small ship charm.
With the highest 1A super ice-class rating, she’s built to slice through heavy sea ice, while still being somewhat compact in size.

We will be in Rönnäng until June 3rd when we will se sail for Canada and the trip is expected to take 10-12 days. I am excited and a tad nervous AND I miss my family and my dog!Read more