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
View more passage logs
The Human Factor
Thus our existence slowly reverted to a much simpler form of being. We start to notice the smaller things, we start looking up and around, we start observing our thoughts. Sailing can be a great social accelerator. Sharing hardship and milestones, friendships are born and evolve at a speed that would seem impossible from land. And after those three weeks spent with you, I am getting ready to leave our vessel with the profound conviction that those bonds will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
The Penultimate Blog from Adrienne II
After 20 days, and 3000+ nautical miles, we're back on land. The motley crew of Adrienne II, consisting of 7 happy amateurs supported by 3 professionals, have completed an epic journey many dream of but few realize. So much of this trip has been about being present - with nature, with each other, with this boat. My biggest takeaway from this trip is the amazing crossing of the ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone). We all hope you've enjoyed the blog as much as we've enjoyed creating it.
Mother Nature, you’ve outdone yourself!
It’s been a great experience to have a non-traditional trans-Atlantic, as it’s been packed with genuinely cool features. The Doldrums!! A place sailors have been talking about for centuries. The unpredictability is what made it such an exhilarating experience. While some might be frightened or alarmed by this kind of weather, I was embodied with a sense of calm and awe. There’s something wildly beautiful about being reminded how small you are, while feeling so incredibly alive.