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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Shooting Stars & Turtle Logs
Day three out of Ketchikan and FALKEN is running wing on wing down the outside of Vancouver Island. The temptation is to lie back in the cockpit and spend the night watching for shooting stars, but a diligent watch is always the first priority. So we keep a sharp eye out while the shooting stars keep us company through the night. The wildlife keeps coming: humpback and minke whales, five mola molas, dolphins, and a black-footed albatross. We are all feeling lucky for such conditions!
Pot dodging and whale watching
Duncan got us up to eleven knots at one point! The Ferriers also logged our first Orca sighting on their 3am-6am watch! This morning is a gift as the temps are just right and we finally have some blue sky and plenty of sunshine. It was a glorious few hours sailing before it inevitably died as forecast. I live in hope that by sunset tonight we’ll be back sailing as we emerge out of the lee of the island and the wind will be more westerly which lends itself to a better sailing angle.
We are off!
After two days of introductions, safety briefings and boat procedures we have departed Ketchikan. We are currently making a whopping 3.3 knots as there is very little wind in Nichols Passage. Adam fed us well last night with a delicious shrimp curry and Duncan was the winner of a sporty game of the card version Monopoly. With the scenic views and light wind it's quite peaceful out here.