0154 UTC | 33° 23.4’ N 118° 45.6’ W
Sailing
This morning was one of those mornings where dark slowly fades to light in grayscale, as the cloud cover is too dense to allow for a colorful sunrise. The seas were completely glassy with a gentle swell as we approached San Clemente Island, the southernmost of the Channel Islands. Since there was no wind, it was the perfect time for a.. SWIM! Everyone jumped in and marvelled at the lovely temperature and crystal clear, indigo-colored water. Swimming in the Pacific while your stunning gently boat drifts next to you? What a beautiful thing.
We hopped back on board, took a quick rinse with the stern shower, and were off again. We took the opportunity to hank on the stay sail, which it looks like we will be wanting for the stronger winds arriving in the coming days. Before long the wind started to pick up, and we happily unfurled the jib and were sailing again. Falken sure can move in light winds!
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. Zoe made a delicious curry for dinner and everyone shared how content they are. Sailing along at golden hour, the sunlight illuminating people’s faces, surrounded by good company, blue sea, and a nearly-full moon rising over the starboard quarter.. doesn’t get much better!
-Rachel
Rachel Saudek
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The Wheel Keeps on Turning
Helming is basically steering the boat by hand. Helming is so completely unlike driving anything else. How each of us put all this information and sensation together to guide our hands and keep Adrienne going where we want to go - to stay the course as the saying goes - is as different as the individuals on this boat. Well there you have it helming as described by six people who approach the same basic task with highly varied perceptions, feelings, and even emotions.
Navigating with the stars
Once the bimini was folded up the view across the starlit dome above our heads had us in awe and got our full attention. I am writing this during the same watch as I aim to share the beauty of the ocean and special moments we are witnessing during our voyage. Tonight, that light (coming from within and outside our galaxy) is guiding us across this vast open space towards our destination. Witnessing and sharing constellations builds a link to ancient cultures and seafarers, and this view into a world of lightyears and galaxies challenges the day to day notions of space and time you so recently left behind. Thank you for joining us as we sail under the stars.
Equator Day!
Excitement was in the air as the day dawned, the Equator grew ever closer. Those who go to sea often hear of King Neptune arriving at such a time in order to promote those worthy souls from Pollywog to Shellback, in the watery realm. We were still surprised when he arrived and called upon us to honour tradition and answer for crossing the equator without permission. For me this was one of the features of the trip and it did not disappoint. This is definitely a passage to remember.