Captain’s Log - DISPATCH 004 – cNAMMs Expedition, R/V Robert Gray
The R/V Robert Gray continues its circumnavigation of North America, conducting microbe biodiversity surveys and refining logistics for an intended annual expedition.
Recent Journey & Challenges
After delays in Puerto Vallarta, the ship cleared Mexican customs in Puerto Marques Bay and faced a Caribbean-origin storm, requiring an overnight stop in Puerto Angel.
A temporary steering loss was swiftly resolved by the engineering crew.
In Guatemala, Collection Site No. 003 was completed amid an abundance of dolphins.
The voyage to Costa Rica faced rough seas, resulting in a lost Starlink dish, which was temporarily remounted.
Arrival at Bahia Potrero (Feb 18) was late, requiring an overnight stay before clearing customs.
Current Status & Next Steps
New crew members joined in Bahia Potrero, replenishing supplies and refining sampling strategies.
The ship now heads to Panama, where more crew will board for the Canal crossing and Collection No. 004.
The expedition balances scientific exploration with the romance of life at sea, embracing adventure, camaraderie, and deep discussions.
Life Aboard the RVRG
The crew thrives on teamwork, storytelling, and evening games like dominoes.
Chef Gigi’s Vietnamese-inspired cuisine has made dieting impossible.
Wildlife sightings include whales, dolphins, and frigate birds, with ongoing ocean cleaning efforts.
Fishing has been mostly unsuccessful, with one major catch lost to a shark ("taxman").
Swim breaks in 85°F waters are a welcome morale boost.
Ship aesthetics & upgrades continue, with military-style showers and tight water conservation efforts.
The historic nature of the 90-year-old vessel is deeply appreciated, with crew respecting its legacy while modernizing systems.
Reflections on Exploration
Nighttime on the RVRG is particularly inspiring, with breathtaking sunsets, star-lit skies, and green flashes.
The crew is committed to science and ocean sustainability, proudly carrying flags from The Explorers Club, The Adventurers Club of Los Angeles, and The Voyagers Club.
For updates, follow @gentadv and @thevoyagersclubllc on Instagram.
For more info check out The Gentlemens Adventure Club cNAMMs Dispatch here.