0134 UTC | 32º 14.99’N 117º 13.59’W
Sailing
And we’re off! Around 9am this morning, we slipped lines and made our way out of Todos Los Santos Bay with a pre-arranged escort pod of dolphins. Falken and Alex are both in their happy place (offshore, that is) and the crew is settling in to life onboard. After a few hours of motoring through very calm, very blue, very kelpy seas, we clicked the engine off and off we went. There’s nothing quite like the sound of water lapping against the hull after getting used to the steady hum of the engine.
After some delicious frittata and not-new potatoes a-la Adam, we executed our first of many tacks. The AP jib is out and breathing for the first time in a good long while, leading Rich and Jean to quiz me on the intricacies of jibs vs yankees vs genoas (verdict is out on whether I passed?). With only 5-10 kts of wind, our close haul has been nothing but pleasant so far. Plus, with spicier weather ahead for us as we near Point Conception, nobody is feeling too antsy about a more mellow start.
Rich and Rob are washing up dinner as I sit here typing, and Rich reports that he’s using ”the best piece of steel wool ever”. Safe to say they’re being good sports about a pesky frittata pan, and I can already feel the bromance blooming from here.
Watches are rolling and the sun is just about to set ahead of us as we head west. Everyone rested up this afternoon and seems excited to experience our first night at sea. After a lovely week in Ensenada for me, Alex, and Adam, we’re stoked to finally head out and begin our upwind journey back up the coast.
Love to all!
Zoe
Zoe Peach-Riley (apprentice)
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The Human Factor
Thus our existence slowly reverted to a much simpler form of being. We start to notice the smaller things, we start looking up and around, we start observing our thoughts. Sailing can be a great social accelerator. Sharing hardship and milestones, friendships are born and evolve at a speed that would seem impossible from land. And after those three weeks spent with you, I am getting ready to leave our vessel with the profound conviction that those bonds will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
The Penultimate Blog from Adrienne II
After 20 days, and 3000+ nautical miles, we're back on land. The motley crew of Adrienne II, consisting of 7 happy amateurs supported by 3 professionals, have completed an epic journey many dream of but few realize. So much of this trip has been about being present - with nature, with each other, with this boat. My biggest takeaway from this trip is the amazing crossing of the ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone). We all hope you've enjoyed the blog as much as we've enjoyed creating it.
Mother Nature, you’ve outdone yourself!
It’s been a great experience to have a non-traditional trans-Atlantic, as it’s been packed with genuinely cool features. The Doldrums!! A place sailors have been talking about for centuries. The unpredictability is what made it such an exhilarating experience. While some might be frightened or alarmed by this kind of weather, I was embodied with a sense of calm and awe. There’s something wildly beautiful about being reminded how small you are, while feeling so incredibly alive.