Day 11
June 5, 2024 | 13:30 UTC
Yesterday at 1800, exactly as forecast, the wind filled in from the NE. We put Falken on a port tack, unfurled the jib, stopped the engine, and sailed in a gentle breeze on a close-hauled course, dead on course to a waypoint a few miles south of the Capelinhos lighthouse on the westernmost point of Faial. The sky cleared just before darkness fell, and the crew had a final night to steer by the stars. Falken slipped along silently on an inky ocean, and we slowly caught up with the last few boats of the ARC Europe who had left Bermuda four days before us.
By the time the sun came over the horizon, Faial was in sight and we had passed several of the ARC yachts. Behind Faial, the towering volcano of Pico dominated the background—a truly magnificent sight after almost 2000nm at sea. As we rounded the island to the south, the wind died, only to come back with full velocity as we entered the channel between the two islands. We dropped the mainsail just outside the busy harbor and made our way in. With the whole ARC fleet present, there was no pontoon space, nor was there barely any space behind the protected breakwater. With no other option, we anchored near the harbor entrance in about 10m depth. With a fresh to strong breeze and a slight swell running directly into the harbor, we paid out 55 meters of chain plus the snubber.
With Falken sitting securely at anchor, we relaxed in the cockpit with a glass of Prosecco and celebrated a successful voyage. Eleven days at sea and 1989nm sailed.
- Chris
ChrisKobusch
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Shooting Stars & Turtle Logs
Day three out of Ketchikan and FALKEN is running wing on wing down the outside of Vancouver Island. The temptation is to lie back in the cockpit and spend the night watching for shooting stars, but a diligent watch is always the first priority. So we keep a sharp eye out while the shooting stars keep us company through the night. The wildlife keeps coming: humpback and minke whales, five mola molas, dolphins, and a black-footed albatross. We are all feeling lucky for such conditions!
Pot dodging and whale watching
Duncan got us up to eleven knots at one point! The Ferriers also logged our first Orca sighting on their 3am-6am watch! This morning is a gift as the temps are just right and we finally have some blue sky and plenty of sunshine. It was a glorious few hours sailing before it inevitably died as forecast. I live in hope that by sunset tonight we’ll be back sailing as we emerge out of the lee of the island and the wind will be more westerly which lends itself to a better sailing angle.
We are off!
After two days of introductions, safety briefings and boat procedures we have departed Ketchikan. We are currently making a whopping 3.3 knots as there is very little wind in Nichols Passage. Adam fed us well last night with a delicious shrimp curry and Duncan was the winner of a sporty game of the card version Monopoly. With the scenic views and light wind it's quite peaceful out here.