After leaving Maruata, and a long, mostly tanker free overnight watch under my belt, Colleen and I traded posts. I grabbed a couple hours of sleep and awoke just after sunrise. I had just prepared and poured us some coffee, and was getting ready to join Colleen on deck, when suddenly there was an explosion of sound and water just off our starboard beam. “Oh F@*$” Colleen shouting, “It’s an ORCA!” I sprang outside to find Colleen standing in the middle of the cockpit looking rather startled, which is odd since she’s one tough level headed chick. As I peered over the sidewall only to see tons of clear tropical water flowing smoothly past our hull, I began to wonder if maybe she’d been on watch a bit to long, when suddenly, something caught my eye… “F@*$… It really is an ORCA” and it’s drafting about a foot off our stern!!!” 
For the next few moments our hearts were racing as we watched a Killer Whale dart at, under, and over our boat (ok, she did not really jump over our boat, but I can dream!) She’d smack her tail against the water sending spray everywhere, before disappearing momentarily, only to come charging full speed at our hull, generating an incredible wake, and then diving below just inches away from us.
Witnessing the playful elegance, raw power, and sheer control of a wild and free Orca, in such close proximity to your vessel/home/life, really makes you appreciate your momentary place on this earth.
What an absolutely breathtaking experience!
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