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
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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.