Life on Starboard Tack
16:45 UTC | 28° 33.969’N 054° 03.827’W
We currently travel north through the Trades towards the Azores High. Maybe there is a potential end in sight to the relentless beating to weather we’ve experienced over the last 5 days at sea. There are some perks to being close-hauled on a starboard tack for an extended period of time. The electric kettle, for example, is perfectly nestled in the corner of the galley right next to the plug.
We’ve all had a good workout on our right shoulders, as the heavy gusts produce a bit of weather helm to be overcome. Those of us who have been graced with a portside bunk have enjoyed being nestled between the hull and the mattress on off watch, while those of us who sleep on the starboard side might find ourselves having to apologize to the skipper for falling out of bed and kneeing him in the gut. (Sorry Erik, it was the boat’s fault.)
We’ve all learned how to brace ourselves for this specific tack in a fresh breeze. We occasionally wonder if the boat feels the same way, with her starboard-side rigging standing tall and taut for so long.
I have a feeling when we come about in 4 days or so, we’ll all have to relearn how to live and move about comfortably on our 70 ft home in constant motion. All is well.
// Delaney, ADRIENNE II Mate
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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.