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Round Two of the AIVIQ Grand Prix did not go ahead last night. Sam had to make the sad announcement that the remote-controlled cars had not been placed on charge. This was met with disappointed moans and groans and a firm promise from Sam to charge the cars before tomorrow night. Luckily, five-time winterer and ingoing Mawson plumber Nick Brown saved the evening with a fascinating presentation on his year at Britain's Rothera Antarctic Research Station.
Today is Day 11 and it really is starting to feel like we have been on this ship for a while. Sundays are generally quiet. There are no planned meetings over the weekend but Voyage Leader Sam and Deputy Voyage Leader Anthony have nevertheless been busy organising briefings, preparing for upcoming science, and finalising the Voyage Operations Plan. The Watercraft Operators will meet again today to discuss Mawson operations. There is also a quiz night being planned for next week and the ingoing Station Leader is meeting with her team individually to discuss their goals and aspirations for the year ahead.
The Deck of Cards athletes are having a well-deserved break today. In place of the usual gruelling strength workout will be an afternoon yoga class in the Main Lounge.
We expect to cross 60° tomorrow and everyone will be keeping a keen eye out for the first iceberg. There is currently a competition underway for the time that we will see the first iceberg. To qualify, the iceberg must be as big as the ship, visible to the naked eye, and the 'time' we guess is the time in which it is abeam (level with the side) of the ship. There is a special prize lined up which will be announced on the day.
Before we cross 60°, however, Anthony, Maddie and Jeff will be deploying the first of four ARGO floats. These will be deployed at latitudes 59°, 61°, 63°, and 65°. The floats collect ocean temperature and salinity data which they transmit via satellite to researchers ashore. These observations will be used to assess changes in ocean heat content, sea level rise, and ocean circulation.
REGARDS: Sam and Anthony
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.