26°04.67' N 018°00.12' W
October 17, 2025 | 10:30 UTC | 26°04.67' N 018°00.12' W | Code Zero
After a day of motoring and calm glassy seas, and then sailing as much as we could in between the periods of light winds, the wind filled in as the weather models predicted. The Azores high pressure has given us the most gentle and silky seas. With the wind now from the NW, we have had the glory of being on a beam reach all night with a fine course to Gran Canaria. ADRIENNE was delighted to be gliding through the seas so calmly, letting those down below sleep tight.
It’s finally cool enough below; no one seems quite ready to get out of bed. When it was once so hot, it was imperative that you came up for air when you opened your eyes. However, even now, once you are up on deck, it couldn’t be more perfect. The sailing has been delightful, and the sea and sky are always full of wonders. There were some dolphins that swam by, bioluminescence in the bow waves, and plenty of shooting stars to mesmerize us.
With 10-14 knots of wind, the Code Zero went up after sunrise. We are now cruising along under the main, jib, and Code Zero. There is a constant reminder from ADRIENNE to savor every moment and soak it all in. Time is a precious thing. At the time I am starting to write this, we are only 240 nautical miles from our destination on the southern shore of Gran Canaria.
Thoughts of home and family, going for hikes and running, returning to jobs, and what’s next are circling in our heads. But how lucky are we to be out here, experiencing the grandeur of this part of the world. It is evident that all souls on board are really making the most out of our time at sea, savoring the sweetness of a long passage to a distant land. Soon enough, a 2800m volcanic island will be on our horizon, the first glimpse of land since we left the bright lights of the Brazilian coast many moons ago.
Our wind is predicted to drop to 0-4 knots sometime tonight, so we will sail as far and efficiently as we can towards our destination. We all know that soon enough we will have to start motoring. To my family, I cannot wait to see you all! And Thomas, I am so looking forward to sailing with you soon. Next passage we do together, and I promise it will be with cooler temperatures.
Brittany | Adrienne II Crew
crew@59-north.com
View more passage logs
Seasickness
But maybe, I thought, with some drugs I could stay ahead of it. The first 48 hours I felt horrible. But luckily with 3 health care professionals on board and in a very encouraging environment, my body found its way. Anyway, someone offered me a patch (unavailable in Canada) and someone else gave me some pills for nausea and now I feel much, much better.
Dolphins and Bioluminescence
We had a good run with the sails but weather has changed and we are once again chasing the wind. Everyone is getting a chance to practice helming in big swell; starting to get a feel of the wind and water and how it pushes and pulls the hull. A pod of dolphins came to visit at night, splashing in the bioluminescent water, and again in the day, dancing in the bow wake. For now enjoying the calmer sea state and falling asleep to the rumble of the engine and the gentle whooshing of the water on the hull.
Greetings from Lala Lemonshark
The brave crew is toughing it out and staying cheerful despite being tossed around. The engine is off and we are true sailing-main and jib. In the first 12 hours we saw two pods of Orca and four humpback whales, two of which were 20 yards off the starboard beam!