Day 11
June 5, 2024 | 13:30 UTC
Yesterday at 1800, exactly as forecast, the wind filled in from the NE. We put Falken on a port tack, unfurled the jib, stopped the engine, and sailed in a gentle breeze on a close-hauled course, dead on course to a waypoint a few miles south of the Capelinhos lighthouse on the westernmost point of Faial. The sky cleared just before darkness fell, and the crew had a final night to steer by the stars. Falken slipped along silently on an inky ocean, and we slowly caught up with the last few boats of the ARC Europe who had left Bermuda four days before us.
By the time the sun came over the horizon, Faial was in sight and we had passed several of the ARC yachts. Behind Faial, the towering volcano of Pico dominated the background—a truly magnificent sight after almost 2000nm at sea. As we rounded the island to the south, the wind died, only to come back with full velocity as we entered the channel between the two islands. We dropped the mainsail just outside the busy harbor and made our way in. With the whole ARC fleet present, there was no pontoon space, nor was there barely any space behind the protected breakwater. With no other option, we anchored near the harbor entrance in about 10m depth. With a fresh to strong breeze and a slight swell running directly into the harbor, we paid out 55 meters of chain plus the snubber.
With Falken sitting securely at anchor, we relaxed in the cockpit with a glass of Prosecco and celebrated a successful voyage. Eleven days at sea and 1989nm sailed.
- Chris
ChrisKobusch
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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.