Day 1
What a first 24 hours run for FALKEN and her crew! We can see the skyline of Miami as I write this, which means that, with the help of the Gulf Stream, FALKEN has sailed over 214 nm upwind in 24 hours—pretty impressive! Last night was a tough one as we found ourselves battling with a sea state produced from wind against the current. It was choppy, windy, and very uncomfortable, but FALKEN and her crew managed to punch through it like champs.
Today started with more of the same, but the wind has been calming down, and now we find ourselves with a beautiful day, sailing along at 10-11 knots as everyone starts to get their sea legs. The weather is looking favorable for us, as it should start veering to the south between tonight and tomorrow, meaning we will be able to ease the sails, go quicker, and be even more comfortable.
Weather-wise, it looks like we're going to have to take the long route around pretty settled high pressure, but the weather router is indicating a pretty epic sail!
- Alex
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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!