0134 UTC | 34° 10.16’N 120° 04.70’W
Sailing
In the wind shadow of SoCal we had a restful night with calm conditions ghosting through smooth seas. I think everyone slept well. Morning brought sea life: resting flocks of pelicans, the occasional unnamed jumping fish, and a small bird at the bow. We’re getting ourselves in position for spicy weather tonight once we round Cape Conception, the seas build and the breeze freshens. I think we are prepared already practiced placing one reef in the main. It will be an upwind sail into an acceleration zone along a formable coast with few bailout points, Morro Bay being one. The plan is to be quick about a second reef then dowse the AP jib with the staysail on deck at the ready. We are currently passing through the Channel Islands between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Island’s. The crew is really gelling with lots of smiles and laughter on deck. Delicious smells waft from the galley as Adam prepares a hearty meal. Monterey is in our sights!
- John M
John M.
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Among the Channel Islands
In the wind shadow of SoCal we had a restful night with calm conditions ghosting through smooth seas. We’re getting ourselves in position for spicy weather tonight once we round Cape Conception, the seas build and the breeze freshens. It will be an upwind sail into an acceleration zone along a formable coast with few bailout points, Morro Bay being one. The crew is really gelling with lots of smiles and laughter on deck. Monterey is in our sights!
Day Two Delights
The seas were completely glassy with a gentle swell as we approached San Clemente Island, the southernmost of the Channel Islands. Everyone jumped in and marvelled at the lovely temperature and crystal clear, indigo-colored water. Before long the wind started to pick up, and we happily unfurled the jib and were sailing again. The afternoon has been gorgeous, cruising along at 5-6 kts, close hauled on a port tack in a gentle breeze, Catalina Island in the distance on our starboard side, and everyone is happy.
Adios Ensenada!
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. After a few hours of motoring through very calm, very blue, very kelpy seas, we clicked the engine off and off we went. After some delicious frittata and not-new potatoes a-la Adam, we executed our first of many tacks. With only 5-10 kts of wind, our close haul has been nothing but pleasant so far. 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.