Day 3
July 8, 2024 | Day 3 At Sea | The Outer Hebrides
Last night we had a stunning sail through a patch of rain clouds and managed to dodge them all. As Port watch handed over, their instructions were to “keep the speed, chase the rain clouds, try and beat their speed record of 10.2 kts, and keep your fingers off the engine buttons!” Sadly, the wind died shortly after this and we did have to start motoring.
We made the most of the calm day by motoring close to the west coast of the stunning Outer Hebrides. This positioned us well for when the wind returned, but it also tempted the crew to mutiny as the draw of Scottish whisky was discussed.
The area was teeming with wildlife and we all saw lots of puffins! They are such beautiful and comic birds, and a bit scared of Falken, so they quickly dived as we passed. The team saw many seals, some dolphins, and the scenery was amazing.
The sun was out and we managed to spend a few hours on deck without oilskins. We even got the sextant out and everyone had a go at taking a sight.
The wind came back in the evening and we are now having a memorable sail in the long midnight sun. It doesn’t get dark anymore!
- Jojo Pickering, Skipper S/Y FALKEN
JoJoPickering
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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.