R/V HERACLITUS SEA PEOPLE PROGRAM

Introduction

The routes, ports-of-call, and anchorages of the Heraclitus are designed to carry out the expedition goals of the Heraclitus by working with the planetary patterns of winds, waves, and currents.  Satisfying the thirst for challenging conditions and the opportunity for creative interactions, the Heraclitus’ crews learn to cooperate with the forces of nature that drive the geosphere. 

The Heraclitus specializes in visiting locations almost impossible to reach by any other means, demonstrating that there is no lack of interesting places yet to explore.  Its unique design combining an ancient three-masted junk rig with modern materials and equipment, striking appearance of black hull and red deck, and engaging crew, have enabled it to make friendly and creative contact with a myriad of cultures where ever it has sailed, and found an anchorage or a dock. Over two hundred people from age eighteen to fifty during the past thirty years have participated in the R/V Heraclitus Sea People Program.  They have joined from nearly every continent and span a wide range of the world’s cultures. The program goes far beyond the basic theory and practice of traditional seamanship programs to include participation in onboard scientific studies, development of techniques for working in small task oriented groups, and participation in theatre arts workshops, which culminate in live performances presented to the cultures the Heraclitus encounters in the course of its planetary voyages.

Life at Sea

Life at sea is organized around “watches.”  Each member of the crew is assigned to one of three watches.  Each watch is headed by a mate, and is responsible for operating the ship for 8 hours per day, during two shifts of 4 hours each.  Each small watch group, consisting of 3-4 people, is on duty for 4 hours, then off for 8 hours and so on.  Each watch is responsible for the preparation of one of the three daily meals; everyone participates in the cooking and galley duties and learns how to make healthy cuisine from locally available food.   During the course of a typical week, one dinner is devoted to some aspect of the expedition’s scientific/cultural studies; another to the investigation of non-linear thinking, such as the writings of Heraclitus and total system scientists; a third to an open forum of comments and observations; a fourth in which each person addresses his or her fellow crew members on a topic of choice without interruption or comment; and three informal dinners that provide an opportunity for casual conversation.  There are two group meditation sessions each week with no prescribed methods or topics except to sit quietly, and 1-2 theater workshop sessions where instruction is given in advanced theatrical techniques and during which plays for presentation at Heraclitus stops are developed.On watch, each trainee literally learns “the ropes” of how to operate a sailing, motor-auxiliary vessel.  Trainees participate in all aspects of the ship’s operation such as raising the sails, plotting the courses, operating and maintaining the ship’s engines, handling small boats, and overall repair and maintenance of the hull and ship. It is possible to specialize in any aspect of the ship’s operation that interests one, and taking responsibility for an area is one of the steps in attaining mastery.  Each person truly becomes an Able Bodied Seaman.  Some have gone on to careers in oceanic sciences or shipping; many have used the experience to enhance their future pursuits.Life on board is co-ed and collegial. Each person is assigned a “bunk” for sleeping and storing their gear.  Bunks are on average about 3 feet (1 meter) wide and extend from floor to ceiling with a mid-height mattress level and underneath a roomy storage for personal gear.  There is a men’s and a women’s lavatory, complete with salt and fresh water showers.  In the mid-section of the ship, a large public space was designed, named Synesthesia, for meals, theater workshops, parties, meetings, etc. Just forward of the mid-section is a thousand volume library, Captain Nemo’s lounge (named after the Jules Verne character), whose content covers a wealth of subjects.  During long sea voyages, these two hospitable spaces provide room for the body and spirit to match the expansiveness of the surrounding sea. 

How to Apply

Participation in the training program is limited to a small number of select individuals who are “ready, willing and able.”  If you are interested in applying for a Heraclitus Sea People Program, email a one page biographical sketch and a one-page statement of why you would like to participate, stating what you can contribute and what you hope to gain, along with a recent photograph of yourself.  Email applications to: christinehandte@gmx.net and rio@adventure.org. Further contact information is available at the Contacts tab.

The typical program lasts nine months, but short term and long term programs are also available. Air travel to the joining port, diving certification (if diving is part of the applicant’s interests), vaccinations, arrival visas, health and travel insurance, etc., are the responsibility of the participant. Full details and current fees will be provided upon application.