20.29 Local Time // 60° 15' N, 005° 14' E
At the dock
On June 4, we reviewed our passage plan before our departure from the marina in Hjellested. Challenges for the day might include thunderstorms and increasing, gusting winds. We attached the staysail, then motored from the marina and hoisted the mainsail with one reef which is becoming a smooth team endeavor. We also raised the headsail. Sailing south, we used a relatively open area to practice and hone wind awareness including the wind vane, the tail tells, the wind on our faces, and the effect of the wind on the water. Next, we practiced points of sail by sailing in a triangle pattern.
As we neared the dock, we used our pickup skills to rescue a hat that had blown off! We returned to the marina and docked the boat with amazing efficiency, using the skills we’ve built over the last days. After our chores for the day were completed, we enjoyed time in the sauna before a delicious curry supper and prepared to head into more open water in the morning.
Katherine Glaser
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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.