Boobies
April 14, 2025 | FALKEN
Being at sea thousands of miles from land is a vulnerable place to be at times, and none more so than when the watermaker decides to malfunction. Our ability to desalinate salt water enables us to sail long distances without the need to carry arduous amounts of fresh water, but the operation requires constant maintenance and supervision. It quickly becomes a consideration of survival when this system fails and reminds us of the finite nature of the essentials that we very much take for granted in day-to-day life.
Thankfully this evening, Andy and crew went about a series of maintenance tasks that resulted in a happy outcome as healthy water once again flowed through the high-pressure system and into our tanks. We would always have enough to drink, but we have become used to a surplus with which we can occasionally shower and rinse our dishes after a salt water wash. The relief across the boat was tangible as the threat of losing one of our few luxuries was eventually overcome.
As we meet our daily challenges, we are rewarded by the constant delight of surfing down impressive Pacific swells in the sunshine, and I think I speak for many when I say how much I look forward to the cooler night air as the evenings draw in. Our daily ritual of ‘glums and glows’ during dinner is a time to unite the crew between the watch systems, to air our challenges and share our highlights.
Today, we have taken on a new crew member in the form of a Boobie that we have named Barbara, and who this afternoon was joined by what we can only assume to be her mate (Brian). As I type this, the two birds appear to be engaging in some after-dark activities on the aft guy, which is providing much amusement for the on-watch team. It’s amazing how much appreciation we all have for our new friends and how much entertainment they have provided.
It seems that without the distractions of the wider world, it’s the simple things that bring us joy.
Oops, have to go now, apparently Barbara just pooped on Hilary’s face…
- Emily
EmilyCaruso
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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.