How about we just keep sailing?!

Time is weird at sea. During the first few days of an extended ocean passage, it often feels as though you will never arrive at your destination. The miles-to-go tick down, and our log goes up about 8nm an hour, but the mountain that is an ocean crossing looms far in the distance.

We take it day by day. Occasionally I find myself measuring time by the number of yogurt containers left in the fridge.

Once we reach the halfway point, however, it feels to me as though the trip is basically over. Although half way means we have 9 or 10 more long and full days at sea, the concept of our time left to go seems like a blink of an eye.

And now, with under 600nm to go, I reach the point in our voyage where a part of me wishes we could just keep going. We’ve found a steady rhythm, I’ve come to know another top notch skipper and friend, and the ocean breeze at 32°N is incredibly fresh. I find I feel this same sentiment during most long ocean passages. As we get closer and closer, I begin to preemptively miss the wide open limitless feeling of ocean sailing. I know once we’re in sight of Gran Canaria, I’ll start to look forward to a shower, a nice cold beer, and a long phone call with my mom and dad. But from now until then, there’s a small feeling of melancholy for my time at sea coming to a close. Until the next…

As this is my last blog post for this trip, huge kudos and thanks to Bert, Molly, Linda, Bartek, Knut, and Simon. An enthusiastic and unique group of ocean sailors who have taken the last 14 days of upwind sailing like a walk in the park. And of course to our wonderful apprentice Anton, you rock! :)

All is well aboard Adrienne II, and we take each day as it comes.