#1. ADRIENNE | ST. MAaRTeN TO Gran Canaria | DAY 2
February 10, 2025 |
The Atlantic crossing of sailing yacht Adrienne started yesterday February 9 from the Caribbean island of St. Martin. We left the harbour and passed through the bridge behind a large motor yacht. Our voyage is dramatically different from the motor vessel. We are ten guys sailing to a destination off Africa and they probably are leaving early to make dinner on the next island.
Our crew is eight working sailors and two highly experienced professionals. We work the boat at their lead. So we have to learn to work with strangers and understand a very large yacht from one of the finest yacht yards in Finland. We also come from Sweden, Norway, Holland and America with different native tongues. The ship generally uses English but the Swedes and Norwegians speak to each other in what is easiest for them.
Everyone has sailing skills of vary degrees. What is universal is the love of sailing and finally getting our chance for crossing a great ocean under sail plus have a great adventure. These common goals unit us despite sailing skill and language differences. I think we will be live long friends.
From the beginning we had to learn how to sail the boat with a uniform approach working together. In our own boats we do maneuvers in "our way" while now we do it the ADRIENNE way. Our leaders tells the workable way. Simple seaman terms are explained and standardized. Today some guys were comparing names for knots and their use. Most knotes have common Europen ancestry developed by the early seafaring nations. When the Swedish guys say knot name used in their country it is the same name in English with a Scandinavian spelling and sound. We are working together despite these differences with a smile and patience.
Another challenge is forming of teams or watch groups. We were selected into two teams of four. How do you combine the personalities, skills and existing friendships? We are on our way and it is working good with strong teamwork. I heard we may switch-up halfway through. Who knows?
A serious issue for some is seasickness. Many of us have sailed a lot but not recently or in heavy ocean waters. The boat jumps around a lot which can easily disturb your life, use to a tranquil life at home. We told to bring medicine and test it before you came. Some got hit hard and others lightly. We are adjusting because we have to because there are three weeks ahead of serious sailing. Find what works for you to get comfortable with seas.
Eating is an issue too. We bought a lot of provisions including 480 eggs. How do match up with the different diet needs and wants. With lots of bread, sandwiches were a simple type of basic food. So we had a lot of sandwiches so far with some mishaps already including a peanut butter and jelly sliding off the table just it was made and uneaten. You just clean up and make another.
Last night was our first night watches. It was a very long night just after boarding while still unadjusted to the rigorous of yacht sailing at night. Another is coming soon and we have to get mentally and physically prepared.
Many things to write about and so little time. More to come.
- Tom Coan, ADRIENNE Crew
