Around 0930 UTC we were greeted with wind after a calm night of motoring. The light winds remained constant until 1400, with an average wind speed (AWS) of 16.2 knots. With Chris’s lead, the crew was able to get the spinnaker pole up and set the sails wing-on-wing. The crew made quick work with setting the pole and were all smiles once the Yankee sail was trimmed. I can see the crew’s confidence building as they take the helm and get into the normal routine of the watches. Working with this crew has been a pleasure, with their eagerness to learn and work as a team. Couldn’t have asked for a better crew for this passage. – Athena
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Shooting Stars & Turtle Logs
Day three out of Ketchikan and FALKEN is running wing on wing down the outside of Vancouver Island. The temptation is to lie back in the cockpit and spend the night watching for shooting stars, but a diligent watch is always the first priority. So we keep a sharp eye out while the shooting stars keep us company through the night. The wildlife keeps coming: humpback and minke whales, five mola molas, dolphins, and a black-footed albatross. We are all feeling lucky for such conditions!
Pot dodging and whale watching
Duncan got us up to eleven knots at one point! The Ferriers also logged our first Orca sighting on their 3am-6am watch! This morning is a gift as the temps are just right and we finally have some blue sky and plenty of sunshine. It was a glorious few hours sailing before it inevitably died as forecast. I live in hope that by sunset tonight we’ll be back sailing as we emerge out of the lee of the island and the wind will be more westerly which lends itself to a better sailing angle.
We are off!
After two days of introductions, safety briefings and boat procedures we have departed Ketchikan. We are currently making a whopping 3.3 knots as there is very little wind in Nichols Passage. Adam fed us well last night with a delicious shrimp curry and Duncan was the winner of a sporty game of the card version Monopoly. With the scenic views and light wind it's quite peaceful out here.