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
View more passage logs
Seasickness
But maybe, I thought, with some drugs I could stay ahead of it. The first 48 hours I felt horrible. But luckily with 3 health care professionals on board and in a very encouraging environment, my body found its way. Anyway, someone offered me a patch (unavailable in Canada) and someone else gave me some pills for nausea and now I feel much, much better.
Dolphins and Bioluminescence
We had a good run with the sails but weather has changed and we are once again chasing the wind. Everyone is getting a chance to practice helming in big swell; starting to get a feel of the wind and water and how it pushes and pulls the hull. A pod of dolphins came to visit at night, splashing in the bioluminescent water, and again in the day, dancing in the bow wake. For now enjoying the calmer sea state and falling asleep to the rumble of the engine and the gentle whooshing of the water on the hull.
Greetings from Lala Lemonshark
The brave crew is toughing it out and staying cheerful despite being tossed around. The engine is off and we are true sailing-main and jib. In the first 12 hours we saw two pods of Orca and four humpback whales, two of which were 20 yards off the starboard beam!