23 June 2021 – Day 3 – Enkhuizen to Den Helder

Our third day began bright, beautiful and early. It was a little too cool for a morning swim, but a little morning yoga on deck limbered people up while the breakfast crew got fruit and muesli ready. After morning check-in , we prepared to welcome thesis supervisors joining us to work with us exploring how SFI can amplify its impact by integrating thesis supervisors into our community of inquiry.

Covid protocols mean that our welcome begins with rapid self-testing. Once that step was complete we got to work on deck. A brief introduction to the open space method set the stage for an equal and frank exchange. Team members identified three questions probing the dynamics between supervisor and masters’ students and the research process for a  thesis. We followed this with lunch and set sail for Den Helder. To speed us along despite the light wind, with the help of the supervisors, we raised an extra sail. Once we were underway, there was ample opportunity for everybody to consult with them about questions for our individual projects. Later as we went through the locks at the Afsluitdijk, out came the guitar, a little singing in the shade of the main sail occupied everybody while we waited for the water to rise in the lock. As we crossed the Waddenzee, the film team’s drone created excitement by heading back towards Enkhuizen as its batteries got low, but teamwork and a little luck meant we were able to catch it safely. After, we took the time for individual quiet reflection to be “present”.

Everybody got to sample the famous SFI lentil soup for dinner. This recipe was the one we used to help fundraise for the journey by selling soup earlier in the year on Saturdays at the Wageningen market. At the end of the meal, it was time to bid good-bye to the supervisors and thank them for such fruitful day of work. At the same time, it was cross-over day with one crew member leaving and three others joining. After a walk to stretch our legs on land, we did a check-out on deck as twilight settled and the moon rose. Under an almost full moon, what better way to end our day than a little game of werewolf!