After a full day of heroic work by Yasser Abualnaja, Taha Boksmati, Captain Kanakaris and others, the necessary permits for sailing and sampling were finally procured.  At 19:00, the Aegaeo’s lines were cast off and we set out from the scenic port of Duba on a course for our premiere sampling area of Yanbu.  ETA at the first Yanbu station is roughly 9 PM tomorrow.  All are looking forward to seeing the CTD hoisted (at last) from the deck and for the work to begin!  

Duba Port fading into the distance.