February 25, Day 17 | Life on the Heel is Real
And so we embark on our final leg of the voyage, just as we began. Adrienne is looking her finest, dressed in a double-reefed main and the staysail holding strong, constantly drenched in saltwater and driving hard! Once again, we are close-hauled against the trades. Class 3 whitewater waves cover her deck every 50 waves or so, keeping things fun and exciting.
Both above and below decks, whether simply traversing around the helm or negotiating the head, logistical contemplation is essential—no different than planning the first series of hop turns skiing down a steep couloir. A walk to the galley, with Adrienne at full heel, is an adventure in itself, not to mention the companionway stairs and helming.
Some say they are ready to go back to “real life.” Some of us agree to disagree; this is as real as life gets. In the next 24 hours, we will catch our first glimpse of the Canaries. Bernard Moitessier felt love at first sight when he did so via celestial navigation in the 1960s. Our crew is weathered, exhausted, and strong. We have cared for and supported one another beyond comprehension. Adrienne continues to charge and only wants more sailing. She is a remarkable vessel.
Mahalo Captain Erik and first mate Tim; you have empowered your crew to safely navigate squalls, to catch glimpses of sleep whenever possible, and to helm Adrienne in the fashion that suits her. The long tack to round La Palma is in process—Adrienne will be hauled out and set up with a new outfit for her next voyage across the sea.
—Ryan Redmond, Crew
crew@59-north.com
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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!