1800UTC 00°21.942'N 029° 39.963W
Sailing
The Crazy Canuck is at it again!
Excitement was in the air as the day dawned, the Equator grew ever closer. My watch team (with Peter and Chris) was on the morning shift and Peter started calculating the time we would cross the mythical line that divides the Northern and Southern Atlantic Ocean. The estimated time was noon plus or minus 20 minutes. It was difficult not to check the GPS position every 10 minutes!
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. After completing our penance we rose as shellbacks one and all.
For me this was one of the features of the trip and it did not disappoint. To be sailing with this group of like minded, international individuals far from land has been a learning experience.
This would not be possible without the tireless efforts of our Skipper, Mate and Anton who stood in for King Neptune on this occasion. This is definitely a passage to remember.
James Leslie
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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.