How about we just keep sailing?!

1436 UTC | 32°11.826’N 025°54.668’W
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.
Delaney Vorwick
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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.
