by 
By Addison Ryne
After 6 days on the ship, the R/V Hugh Sharp had started to feel like a home away from home. Just like in any house, everyone has “their spot,” and what better way to show off the vessel than to take a tour of all the best spots to sit during downtime? So, MTV, welcome to our crib!
The dry lab
Pros: spinny chairs with backs (wheels removed), AC blasting for an escape from the hot deck.
Cons: always something going on- if you’re sitting, you’re probably in the way.
The bunks
Pros: total privacy if you close your curtains, option to be horizontal.
Cons: no option for socializing, smells weird if the AC isn’t on.
Deployment platform (where I’m writing this)
Pros: a personal favorite- relatively quiet and out of the way when it’s not being used, great view of the water, can feel the spray if the waves get big enough.
Cons: not for the accident-prone since the chains definitely would not prevent a man overboard situation. Hang on to your phone!
Port-side bollards
Pros: very comfortable, gives the option to look out at the water, put your feet up, or use a backrest.
Cons: lots of foot traffic since it’s on the path to the bow, often someone already sitting there.
Starboard-side bollards
Pros: just as great as the other bollards, but hidden on the other side of the bow.
Cons: make sure your downtime doesn’t overlap with chief marine tech Christian’s reading time.
Conference room
Pros: comfy couches, room for bigger groups, ice cream freezer!!!
Cons: no AC, is also Reina and Khristian’s room so hanging out can feel intrusive despite their hospitality.
Captain’s chair in the bridge
Pros: incredibly comfortable, great views, AJ lets you steer if you ask nicely.
Cons: captain Sean may be listening to a true crime podcast, spinning the ship is fun until the complaints roll in (speaking from experience).
Deck cinderblock
Pros: panoramic view, protected from wind, close enough to still be part of the action.
Cons: usually occupied, not super comfortable without thick pants or a sweatshirt to sit on.
The bow
Pros: space to spread out by day, perfect for stargazing and ghost stories by night.
Cons: very rough surface unless marine tech Alex lets you borrow his yoga mat, in direct view of the bridge- don’t be weird in front of the captains or you’ll lose all credibility.
Wet lab roof overlooking the deck
Pros: can watch deck operations or get some alone time (nobody will find you up there).
Cons: not ideal if you’re afraid of heights like Grace, and it’s much better to be on deck where you can participate in deployments and learn how to tie knots instead of watching from above.
The galley
Pros: smelling what chef Jeff’s cooking, everyone fits around the table to play card games.
Cons: avoid before mealtimes so Jeff doesn’t have to clean up your mess and reset the table.
The deck
Pros: clearly the favorite- shaded areas for enjoying the bay, but sunny deck naps are unbeatable.
Cons: none, unless you forget sunscreen or don’t want to risk getting soaked by a rogue wave.
As much time as we’ve spent sitting, we’ve spent double that working. Everyone has had the chance to participate in zooplankton tows, benthic sampling, sediment cores, primary production experiments, bacterial analysis, sample preparation, flow cytometry, filtering, CTD reading, light profiles, and much more that will remain in our memories (and on our CVs) for a long time to come. We’ve gotten to see from the engine room to the top deck, and everyone’s “spots” showcase just how comfortable we’ve gotten on the ship in such a short time, thanks to the crew that welcomed us in and showed us the ropes (literally).
From a cinderblock on the deck to the captain’s own throne (briefly), every spot on the R/V Hugh Sharp has had its moment. These spaces are the quiet corners for catching our breath, scenic spots for morning coffee, and spaces where conversations have turned into connections. As we prepare to return to solid ground, it’s not just the procedure, data, or long hours we’ll remember, but the little places that made this ship feel like ours.
