Day 5 At-sea
January 27, 2024
Just as we thought we had run out of luck, the breeze has shifted and lifted, and FALKEN is making her way by wind power once again. This really has been a multi-faceted passage, which the crew have responded to with constant energy and enthusiasm. Each and every one of them can now confidently helm downwind without coaching, and a less vigorous sea state has certainly helped with development.
Deck showers were followed by a washdown yesterday, and yet the ever-persistent Sahara sand continues to taunt us, albeit with slightly less rigor. It was a welcome sight to see the sun today in all its glory, and the heat is noticeably increasing as the numbers fall from our latitude.
So as we close in on the coast of Sao Vicente and Mindelo draws closer, it is perfectly fitting that we are able to switch off the engine and enjoy the final hours of our passage with only the sound of water lapping the hull and the laughter that continues from the cockpit.
- Emily
EmilyCaruso
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Cast off the lines
When we awoke it was overcast but the Brazilian sun quickly burned the clouds away and we were left with blue skies. We reviewed some safety procedures, cleaned the boat and had an exciting Person Overboard (POB) recovery. Once we were underway spirits soared as we pointed the bow toward the Canary Islands. As I write this we are heading upwind and dealing with all that involves, and working into our first watches. It is hot, a bit bumpy but we are sailing!!
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!