airplane mode
We had a true taster of upwind sailing last night. By that I mean we spent 12 hours sailing almost nowhere! Between shifting winds, oil rigs, and unpredictable ocean research vessels, we sailed 100NM to get 30 miles closer to Amsterdam! The crew didn’t mind though. It was fun to get some tacking practice in and put the training of our first day to good use.
This morning I was reminded of how fulfilling it is to see people you coach start to gain confidence. As I was making scrambled eggs down below, the gang on deck were discussing how to make the boat go faster. Impressively, I managed to keep my nose out of it. One of them quoted, “When in doubt, let it out,” and lo and behold, after a decisive ease of the main and a transferring of the jib to the outboard lead, the boat picked up three knots! Proud skipper moment. Good job Jaime, Anne, Rach, and Kellye.
For anyone who is following us, the crew have opted to turn their phones on flight mode until we all agree we are ready to let the outside world in. So, to loved ones and followers, thank you for allowing us the bliss of living in our watery bubble for a little while longer.
— Nikki
NikkiHenderson
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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.
A Heavenly High
As you have probably figured out at this point, the drug of choice on board is, of course, celestial navigation- an art which has hooked offshore sailors for centuries. Once addicted, navigators will emerge from down below only to get their fixes two times per day, and spend the rest of their days and nights down below doing complex spherical mathematics. On Adrienne II, our skipper is our dealer. I must confess that I myself gave in to the strange urge which I’ve felt witnessing my crewmates practice this fine art, and yesterday felt an amazing sensation as I was able to wield the sextant for the first time and with it, bring down the tip of our starboard spreader to the top of our front sprayhood, presicely measuring the angle between the two (35deg, 38,8’ min). This afternoon, Naxo then showed me how to get my fix from the very sun itself - and I now fear there is no turning back.