Latitude: 00°57.6’N
Longitude: 087°47.1’W
Monday, March 24
00°57.6’N 087°47.1’W
20:20 UTC / 15:20 Local time
Adventure at sea—what does that mean to me? TIME AWAY from the world and a chance to meet others who love sailing as I do. No news, no knowledge of anything but the nature around us, whether that be clouds, birds, dolphins, whales, lightning, swells to ride on, no wind to sweat in, and maybe a little swim.
What would your thought be as to water temperature in the South Pacific? As I got ready to dive in, I was prepared for a very cold adventure, but lo and behold, the water was warm—very nice and enjoyable.
We just witnessed a few dolphins entertaining us with their cool jumps. Since our attention was distracted, our stowaway blue-footed booby decided to take off and leave us with great pictures and a bit of poop to take care of later. It was fun to see it move from place to place over the last 20 hours, I am thinking to find the perfect takeoff spot.
As I see birds out here, I always wonder how they live so far from land. Then my thoughts go to the explorers of old and the Pilgrims that were brave to come out on the ocean to find a new world. It’s easy to look out and think one is just going to fall off at some point. I hope that I have found a time or two when I was that brave.
Life is good and I’m looking forward to the crossing the line ceremony as we cross the Equator. Since I am a veteran Shellback, what do these Pollywogs have in store? A special moment for all. Thankful to be here enjoying each day.
- Linda McDavid | FALKEN Crew
P.S. If you are reading this blog, please write some comments in the section below and we’ll send it over to the crew to read. I am sure they will love it :)
- Mia & Andy (shore support on Leg 5, Panama to Galapagos)
FALKENCrew
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People Get Ready!
The last three days have been an intense (and intensely hot) period of discovery, practice, and planning. Because Adrienne II is not a 59N boat, there's been some extra setup and coordination needed including rigging all the sails that were out for repairs before we arrived. Its been a blast working alongside the 59N team getting to help them work things out on a less familiar boat in real time. Tomorrow morning we'll run through our Person Over Board training as the final pre-departure task, cast off and head out. Can't know all that it will be, but its going to be a great adventure out in the vast world with some pretty fantastic people.
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.