Night watch

Guillaume Bracq, who is the chief mechanic onboard Tara, describes a night watch anchored off Djibouti.
 
“Being onboard Tara is part of a dream for all of us. I’d like to share with you a magical moment.
 
We are lying at anchor. The full moon is bathing the boat in a soft white light. Tonight there is no need for the headlamp in making the rounds to assure that all is ok. I did though spot a winged passenger huddled on the stem-post balcony!
 
On the starboard, one sees the glimmerings of Djibouti and imagines the agitated nightlife of the city. On our port side, a couple of lights from a tiny village, where all must be asleep. Now and then, lights from a cargo glide across the horizon. It’s going towards Bab El Mandeb or the Gulf of Aden with other sailors, other people, other lives. What are they transporting? The Zebus which we saw on the quay? The cement being loaded with enormous cranes? Soon the lights disappear in the night, taking their mysteries with them.
 
There is not one sound of a motor on board. We are using our batteries for the few instruments requiring electricity.  The silence after the constant droning from the generator during the day is like a big gulp of cold water slaking thirst. It is the benevolent signal for sleep and repose.
 
A small swell rocks the ship. One hears the clattering of the halyards on the masts. Listening close, one can make out the muffled whispers of the breakers on the coral reef flat near the coast.
 
Our anchorage is holding well. Tara’s position oscillates slowly, scribbling a red spot on the screen of our electronic map. The depth gauge seems to be installed at 27 meters.  From the VHF, all is calm.
 
Everyone is asleep onboard because the days are hectic for the scientific divers, for Sam and Mathieu who are responsible for their safety at the surface, for Bertrand and Christophe who bring us back the images, and also for Olivier, Daniel, Julien and myself, who take care of the boat.
 
I love the night watches. The entire beauty of the sky and the sea just for me! A small cloud passes in front of the moon, plunging us into a moment of darkness while revealing new stars.
And then the minutes become hours, and it’s time to wake the next watch… It will be his turn to take advantage of the night, the peaceful anchorage and the nocturnal beauty of the site. It is time to be lulled to sleep in one’s bunk! Good night!

Guillaume Bracq
Chief mechanic