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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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!