June 3, 2024 | 1934 UTC
I believe that there are many lessons to be learned from sailing, and one of them is the ability to adapt. Today tested the crew’s ability to adapt to weather; with the uncertain weather forecasts, we had to be patient. The morning started with light winds. We have been managing our expectations with the uncertain wind for the last few days. Chris informed us that we would sail past Horta, then tack to see if the wind would be more favorable on a starboard tack once the wind shifted. We undid the reefs to the Yankee and reef two in the main, averaging 7.7 speed over ground for most of the morning. Dolphins, whales, and a nearby sailing vessel provided entertainment for the crew. The smooth sea state also allowed the crew to get some well-needed rest during their off watch.
By 1100 local time, the wind started to shift unfavorably from our compass course of 110. We decided to follow our prior plan and shook out the last reef and tacked onto a course of 330 True. Within minutes, we realized that we could not sail high enough and would be following our previous course. We tacked back onto a port tack and decided it was time to motor. Before we fully committed to motoring, the crew prepared to stow the Yankee and bend on the Jib to have the option to sail higher in lighter winds. The motor was switched on at 1700 local time, and the Jib was fully bent on by 1730. With all hands assisting with the Yankee and Jib, they made quick work.
The day is winding down. The crew is happy to have more time line handling, and even more so for the hot shower. I can see the confidence and enthusiasm in the crew building during these sail maneuvers, and it has been a wonderful opportunity to watch everyone succeed in these moments.
- Athena
59ºNorthApprentice
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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.