existing in the moment
January 8, 2025, 21:45 UTC | Existing In The Moment
What a spectacular day despite a lack of wind. Mia took some time with the crew earlier this afternoon to just sail slowly for a moment on a flat sea under a vast expanse of blue sky and sunshine. A plethora of wildlife delighted everyone, and whilst I was catching up on precious sleep, I was a little envious to have missed a moment undisturbed by notions of time and distance. It’s wonderful when you have the opportunity to simply exist in the moment.
We have shifted our course slightly west while still motoring to better place ourselves ahead of the wind filling in from the northeast. Hopefully, we can gain a little more apparent wind by then, sailing south and maintaining our angle as it continues to veer.
I was chatting with the crew earlier about routing software and how it sometimes takes the fun and challenge out of hatching a plan and seeing it come to fruition—or not, as is the case sometimes. It was suggested that technology could be used to validate rather than dictate. I’m on the fence with that one, with plenty of time ahead to overthink it.
Back to the velvet sky of stars as the night draws in…
/ Emily
EmilyCaruso
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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.