Ketch us if you Kan
1743UT | 55 20.73’N 131 39.64’W
In-Port
Falken is soon to carry on our preferred route of South, back to (hopefully) warmer climates. Whilst most of the staff hail from typically cooler climates, I think we’re all a bit put out having to wear more than shorts and t-shirt and are liberal with our heater use. That said, there’s no denying Alaska is beautiful- I’m particularly enjoy our resident eagle that hangs out on the pontoon next to us.
We’re all excited to set off and see more of this wild landscape as we head down to Victoria. As things stand, it’s looking like a great forecast of lighter downwind initially to get us in the swing of things, before picking up for some downwind hooning as we sail down the west coast of Vancouver Island. A thermal trough over Vancouver combined with an offshore high pressure creating funneling NW’ly winds means it is due to be pretty fruity on the 9th. We’re forecast 35+ knots and 7-8’ short period swell, but the plan is to sneak into the Juan de Fuca strait just before this and to be honest even if we catch it, it’s no biggie for Falken and we’ll just be scooting along with our snazzy new black sails.
This passage is just under 600 miles, relatively short for Falken, but I’m sure we’ll be kept entertained with dramatic scenery, wildlife and weather!
MaryM
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The Penultimate Blog from Adrienne II
After 20 days, and 3000+ nautical miles, we're back on land. The motley crew of Adrienne II, consisting of 7 happy amateurs supported by 3 professionals, have completed an epic journey many dream of but few realize. So much of this trip has been about being present - with nature, with each other, with this boat. My biggest takeaway from this trip is the amazing crossing of the ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone). We all hope you've enjoyed the blog as much as we've enjoyed creating it.
Mother Nature, you’ve outdone yourself!
It’s been a great experience to have a non-traditional trans-Atlantic, as it’s been packed with genuinely cool features. The Doldrums!! A place sailors have been talking about for centuries. The unpredictability is what made it such an exhilarating experience. While some might be frightened or alarmed by this kind of weather, I was embodied with a sense of calm and awe. There’s something wildly beautiful about being reminded how small you are, while feeling so incredibly alive.
A Heavenly High
As you have probably figured out at this point, the drug of choice on board is, of course, celestial navigation- an art which has hooked offshore sailors for centuries. Once addicted, navigators will emerge from down below only to get their fixes two times per day, and spend the rest of their days and nights down below doing complex spherical mathematics. On Adrienne II, our skipper is our dealer. I must confess that I myself gave in to the strange urge which I’ve felt witnessing my crewmates practice this fine art, and yesterday felt an amazing sensation as I was able to wield the sextant for the first time and with it, bring down the tip of our starboard spreader to the top of our front sprayhood, presicely measuring the angle between the two (35deg, 38,8’ min). This afternoon, Naxo then showed me how to get my fix from the very sun itself - and I now fear there is no turning back.