00°10’1N, 089°11.2’W
Tuesday, 25th of March, 00°10’1N 089°11.2’W, 08:05 Local Time, 13:05 UTC
A renaissance painting to the east; pink boobies on the pulpit fighting for the best position; layers of fluffy white clouds with dark purple bottoms dumping rain on the horizon, all the while flashing silent lightning fireworks. This epic, dramatic sunrise has been served to the lucky crew on deck. A few moments ago, a flock of frigates in vee formation soared overhead, welcoming us to the equator.
For the past few days, the weather forecast has been: no wind, not now, not in a few hours, not in a few days, not ever on this passage. To our delight, we have been graced with minutes, hours, days of excellent wind and breezes. Every chance we get, we unleash that Yankee, grinding the sheets, easing the furling line, adjusting the main—even if it means two minutes later we have to roll it all back in because the wind has flatlined. We do it for the blissful moment of silence that comes when Diesel shuts up, and Falken, ever hungry for speed, leaps to attention, grabbing onto any wisp of air. We have asked her politely to slow down, but this boat simply cannot sit still. She is beautiful and majestic, slicing through this sea with grace and glamour, strength and poise.
Thank you, dear FALKEN, for keeping us safe, moving at warp speed, yet staying put while we splashed around in a location that no human has ever swum in before. Yesterday, while Alex composed the entire crew for a gybe and consequent reefing, FALKEN waited patiently, immediately soaring into action when we fell into the cockpit panting, sweating, arms shaking, pleased with the team effort.
FALKEN is obviously delighted to explore the Pacific Ocean, and this first leg is just the beginning of an epic adventure. I feel so lucky to be here.
- Libby Haslam | 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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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.