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
View more passage logs
People Get Ready!
The last three days have been an intense (and intensely hot) period of discovery, practice, and planning. Because Adrienne II is not a 59N boat, there's been some extra setup and coordination needed including rigging all the sails that were out for repairs before we arrived. Its been a blast working alongside the 59N team getting to help them work things out on a less familiar boat in real time. Tomorrow morning we'll run through our Person Over Board training as the final pre-departure task, cast off and head out. Can't know all that it will be, but its going to be a great adventure out in the vast world with some pretty fantastic people.
Among the Channel Islands
In the wind shadow of SoCal we had a restful night with calm conditions ghosting through smooth seas. We’re getting ourselves in position for spicy weather tonight once we round Cape Conception, the seas build and the breeze freshens. It will be an upwind sail into an acceleration zone along a formable coast with few bailout points, Morro Bay being one. The crew is really gelling with lots of smiles and laughter on deck. Monterey is in our sights!
Day Two Delights
The seas were completely glassy with a gentle swell as we approached San Clemente Island, the southernmost of the Channel Islands. Everyone jumped in and marvelled at the lovely temperature and crystal clear, indigo-colored water. Before long the wind started to pick up, and we happily unfurled the jib and were sailing again. The afternoon has been gorgeous, cruising along at 5-6 kts, close hauled on a port tack in a gentle breeze, Catalina Island in the distance on our starboard side, and everyone is happy.