Epic Downwind!
March 22, 2025 | Epic Downwind and Orcas!
The first 24 hours in the Pacific have been absolutely magic. Last night was one for epic sailing. FALKEN powered along at 15+ knots in 35 knot winds, surfing down some steep waves as we lost sight of Panama in our stern. As the night passed, the breeze eased off and we were able to shake out our 2 reefs and go back to full sails by sunrise.
By 8am we had our big pink spinnaker flying and managed to keep it all the way until the afternoon when the breeze died off and our iron sail (aka the engine) made an entrance for a few hours. Some of the highlights of today include sighting a pod of Orcas about 5 boat lengths from us, spotting the Southern Cross and the North Star in the same sky, and the bioluminescent water that makes us feel like we’re floating in space.
Right now we’ve got the engine back on after drifting for a couple of hours taking in the starry skies. As we move further south, the weather is becoming a bit more unpredictable and with the ITCZ in sight we are expecting some thunderstorms and light winds in the next couple of days.
Everyone is well onboard and we’re all in a state of “drift,” lost in all of the magic surrounding us.
Love to all—Alex, FALKEN Skipper
P.S. If you are reading this blog, please write some comments in the section below and we’ll send it over to the crew to read. I am sure they will love it :)
Mia & Andy (shore support on Leg 5, Panama to Galapagos)
laline96@gmail.com
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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.
A Heavenly High
As you have probably figured out at this point, the drug of choice on board is, of course, celestial navigation- an art which has hooked offshore sailors for centuries. Once addicted, navigators will emerge from down below only to get their fixes two times per day, and spend the rest of their days and nights down below doing complex spherical mathematics. On Adrienne II, our skipper is our dealer. I must confess that I myself gave in to the strange urge which I’ve felt witnessing my crewmates practice this fine art, and yesterday felt an amazing sensation as I was able to wield the sextant for the first time and with it, bring down the tip of our starboard spreader to the top of our front sprayhood, presicely measuring the angle between the two (35deg, 38,8’ min). This afternoon, Naxo then showed me how to get my fix from the very sun itself - and I now fear there is no turning back.