Day 7
June 24, 2024 | 1300 UTC
The fog is still all around us—white, thick at times, clearer sometimes, and rarely gone. It is a funny feeling sailing “blind,” especially with 10+ knots of boat speed. I have spent hours by now staring out into the white fuzz, watching the waves emerge from it and disappear into it again. And although we might not have a clear sight of land when we arrive, it seems we are already living the full Irish experience.
Last night was a thrilling sail. Winds picked up, waves built, and it became the most challenging helming conditions yet. It was very nice to witness all that has been learned over the week applied in those conditions. As I am looking up at the log, I see 1158 nm—a reminder that we are to arrive soon. Indeed, we have started to talk about the tides of the day, planning for our passage through the sound, which seems to coincide with the passage of a cold front. This passage is going to be exciting all the way to the end.
- Manot
ManotBerger
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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!
Day Two Delights
The seas were completely glassy with a gentle swell as we approached San Clemente Island, the southernmost of the Channel Islands. Everyone jumped in and marvelled at the lovely temperature and crystal clear, indigo-colored water. Before long the wind started to pick up, and we happily unfurled the jib and were sailing again. The afternoon has been gorgeous, cruising along at 5-6 kts, close hauled on a port tack in a gentle breeze, Catalina Island in the distance on our starboard side, and everyone is happy.