Day 2

June 19, 2024 | 19:30 UTC

As we left the harbor, we had to make the decision to either turn east or west. From the weather forecast, heading west meant sailing upwind in a light breeze for 24 hours, then motoring for a while as we would pass through the center of the high before sailing on a broad reach as we entered the western sector of the high and started to sail downwind. Heading east would mean three days of upwind sailing in a fresh breeze with the accompanying sea state, before the wind would swing southwest on Friday. We all agreed that three days upwind was disagreeable, so west it was.

So far, the forecast has been spot on. We had a very pleasant sail to start with: 12 knots true on a flattish sea with just a 15-degree heel. This afternoon we started motoring, but should find wind again later tonight. This gave everyone time to find their sea legs and to get used to helming and sailing on Falken. Once the southwesterly wind fills in, we should have a fast and fun run almost all the way to Ireland.

On a different note, we have already seen an incredible amount of wildlife: from birds to several whales (one right next to the boat), to dolphins and big game fish jumping. So far, it has been a very enjoyable trip.

Fair winds and a following sea,
Chris