16.05 BOAT TIME | 09 09. 5’ S 138 46.1’ W
Sailing
Land Ho!
The formula for distance to the horizon (in nautical miles) is the square root of the height of eye (in feet) times 1.15. Which means the easternmost island in the Marquesas, Ua Huka, which is 2,806 feet high, should have been visible at 60.9 nautical miles, at around 430 pm, ship’s time, this afternoon. We didn’t however factor in cloud cover. Instead Fatu Huka emerged on the opposite side around dinner time, that’s what you get for trying to do the math.
The French Polynesian courtesy flag is flying, along with the yellow ”Q” flag to show we haven’t yet cleared customs. We expect to make anchorage in Taiohae on Nuka Hiva sometime tomorrow. Fun fact that Alex learned today, customs is only open on Thursdays and Mondays. Tomorrow is Friday. After much finagling he managed to arrange for us to go ashore freely on arrival, as long as the boat didn’t pull anchor, and Alex kept all our passports and produced the full crew at customs on Monday.
Another spectacular sunset marked the closing of our open ocean passage. There are moments where I wish the crossing would go on forever (usually under the stars) and moments where I can’t wait to get ashore (usually around noon). The crossing has been a truly indescribable experience.
Land ho! (Which Ken called, and apparently means the first round is on him once we get ashore).
Phoebe & Adam
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The Human Factor
Thus our existence slowly reverted to a much simpler form of being. We start to notice the smaller things, we start looking up and around, we start observing our thoughts. Sailing can be a great social accelerator. Sharing hardship and milestones, friendships are born and evolve at a speed that would seem impossible from land. And after those three weeks spent with you, I am getting ready to leave our vessel with the profound conviction that those bonds will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
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.