Fog Blog
0216 UTC | 48°32.5’ N 124°42.1’W
Whale watching
After a day in Victoria learning Falken and passage planning, we departed early this morning for San Francisco. We split into three watches named Watch 1, Watch A, and Watch Uno, so everyone feels appreciated, and are well into a routine of life at sea.
The plan is to motor west down the Straight of Juan de Fuca, and turn left once the wind fills in. It’s been incredibly foggy, as is to be expected in the month of “Fogust,” but when we get a glimpse of the forested mountains beyond the fog it is stunning. We’ve made good use of our time by practicing reefing, watching for whales, and setting up preventer lines for our inevitable down wind sleigh ride.
Most everyone on board has unfortunately began to feel a touch of the green monster. We are motoring in light winds but into an established sea state on the nose. Not the most comfortable conditions for what is the first time offshore for many of our sailors. Mary made the astute observation that despite the seasickness, the sentiment onboard is quite chipper. Everyone is happy to be here, and eager to keep learning. Perhaps once everyone feels a bit better, they’ll accept my pleas to write the daily blog post.
As the youngest of three girls and after 7 years of all girls education, I am loving support and immediate camaraderie of this all women’s trip. I’m excited to watch these women grow in confidence and competence as we sail fast down the coast.
Love to my family xoxo
Delaney
Delaney
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Among the Channel Islands
In the wind shadow of SoCal we had a restful night with calm conditions ghosting through smooth seas. We’re getting ourselves in position for spicy weather tonight once we round Cape Conception, the seas build and the breeze freshens. It will be an upwind sail into an acceleration zone along a formable coast with few bailout points, Morro Bay being one. The crew is really gelling with lots of smiles and laughter on deck. Monterey is in our sights!
Day Two Delights
The seas were completely glassy with a gentle swell as we approached San Clemente Island, the southernmost of the Channel Islands. Everyone jumped in and marvelled at the lovely temperature and crystal clear, indigo-colored water. Before long the wind started to pick up, and we happily unfurled the jib and were sailing again. 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.
Adios Ensenada!
Around 9am this morning, we slipped lines and made our way out of Todos Los Santos Bay with a pre-arranged escort pod of dolphins. After a few hours of motoring through very calm, very blue, very kelpy seas, we clicked the engine off and off we went. After some delicious frittata and not-new potatoes a-la Adam, we executed our first of many tacks. With only 5-10 kts of wind, our close haul has been nothing but pleasant so far. After a lovely week in Ensenada for me, Alex, and Adam, we’re stoked to finally head out and begin our upwind journey back up the coast.