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)
View more passage logs
Navigating with the stars
Once the bimini was folded up the view across the starlit dome above our heads had us in awe and got our full attention. I am writing this during the same watch as I aim to share the beauty of the ocean and special moments we are witnessing during our voyage. Tonight, that light (coming from within and outside our galaxy) is guiding us across this vast open space towards our destination. Witnessing and sharing constellations builds a link to ancient cultures and seafarers, and this view into a world of lightyears and galaxies challenges the day to day notions of space and time you so recently left behind. Thank you for joining us as we sail under the stars.
Equator Day!
Excitement was in the air as the day dawned, the Equator grew ever closer. Those who go to sea often hear of King Neptune arriving at such a time in order to promote those worthy souls from Pollywog to Shellback, in the watery realm. We were still surprised when he arrived and called upon us to honour tradition and answer for crossing the equator without permission. For me this was one of the features of the trip and it did not disappoint. This is definitely a passage to remember.
Snag it or sweat it! Rolls Royce bunks, watches and fans
Today marks day 6 of one of the most epic passages I've decided to take on. There is something wildly exciting and equally calming about being surrounded by nothing but ocean. I get to watch the entire rhythm of the world shrink down to wind, weather, watches, and 10 humans trying to get a sailboat to another continent. I'm not sure if former bloggers have noted, but this passage is HOT as balls. We continue to laugh, learn, and sweat.