day 5

2024-6 | FALKEN | Jamaica-Cuba
Emily Caruso
Emily Caruso

EmilyCaruso

Passage Blog
Sunday, April 21, 2024

Happy as Larry was I yesterday afternoon, relishing the deep sleep that was long overdue during my off watch. You can imagine my surprise to be awoken suddenly, wondering what emergency may have demanded my appearance on deck with such urgency. Fiona had been sent to undertake the task feared by many before her, as she delivered the news that I must leave my dreamy wonderland of much-needed rest to helm the boat whilst the symmetrical spinnaker was hoisted.

It's hard to find the words to express my joy in that moment, and so I won't try looking. Despite my initial reservations, the crew appeared to relish the giant pink delight as it bobbed about in the breeze, bringing much amusement.

"Yay," said I as I returned to my safe place to hide. For those unfamiliar, I am English, and in my culture, we like to celebrate irony through our use of comedic sarcasm.

- Emily

EmilyCaruso

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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.

22/8/2026
Seasickness

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.

21/8/2026
Dolphins and Bioluminescence

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!

20/8/2026
Greetings from Lala Lemonshark