February 10, 2025 | The Atlantic crossing of sailing yacht Adrienne started yesterday, February 9, from the Caribbean island of St. Martin. We left the harbour and passed through the bridge behind a large motor yacht. Our voyage is dramatically different from the motor vessel. We are ten guys sailing to a destination off Africa, and they probably are leaving early to make dinner on the next island.
Our crew is eight working sailors and two highly experienced professionals. We work the boat at their lead, so we have to learn to work with strangers and understand a very large yacht from one of the finest yacht yards in Finland. We also come from Sweden, Norway, Holland, and America, with different native tongues. The ship generally uses English, but the Swedes and Norwegians speak to each other in what is easiest for them.
Everyone has sailing skills of varying degrees. What is universal is the love of sailing and finally getting our chance for crossing a great ocean under sail, plus having a great adventure. These common goals unite us despite sailing skill and language differences. I think we will be lifelong friends.
From the beginning, we had to learn how to sail the boat with a uniform approach, working together. In our own boats, we do maneuvers in "our way," while now we do it the ADRIENNE way. Our leaders tell us the workable way. Simple seaman terms are explained and standardized. Today, some guys were comparing names for knots and their use. Most knots have common European ancestry developed by the early seafaring nations. When the Swedish guys say a knot name used in their country, it is the same name in English with a Scandinavian spelling and sound. We are working together despite these differences, with a smile and patience.
Another challenge is forming teams or watch groups. We were selected into two teams of four. How do you combine the personalities, skills, and existing friendships? We are on our way, and it is working well with strong teamwork. I heard we may switch up halfway through. Who knows?
A serious issue for some is seasickness. Many of us have sailed a lot but not recently or in heavy ocean waters. The boat jumps around a lot, which can easily disturb your life, used to a tranquil life at home. We were told to bring medicine and test it before we came. Some got hit hard and others lightly. We are adjusting because we have to—there are three weeks ahead of serious sailing. Find what works for you to get comfortable with seas.
Eating is an issue too. We bought a lot of provisions, including 480 eggs. How do you match up with the different diet needs and wants? With lots of bread, sandwiches were a simple type of basic food. So we have had a lot of sandwiches so far, with some mishaps already, including a peanut butter and jelly sandwich sliding off the table just as it was made and uneaten. You just clean up and make another.
Last night was our first night watches. It was a very long night just after boarding while still unadjusted to the rigors of yacht sailing at night. Another is coming soon, and we have to get mentally and physically prepared.
Many things to write about and so little time. More to come.
- Tom Coan, ADRIENNE 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.