Lunchtime swim!
March 23, 2025 | Lunchtime swim!
Another glorious sunset tonight; the Pacific has not failed to deliver on that front at all so far. The steady thrum of the engine and a flogging mainsail suggest what we are lacking—wind! The doldrums seem to have found us earlier than hoped for. Despite that, we have kept entertained, always ready to kill the engine and eke out as much sailing as possible from the occasional localized breezes.
Sextant class was this morning, followed by an extremely welcome lunchtime swim. After a couple of days roasting in the near-equatorial sun, a dip into the cool water meant no one was upset about being woken mid-nap. After bobbing about in 3,000 meters of water, we carried on as the wind filled and we got a few hours of sailing in.
We’ve had no more whales since the incredible orca sighting, but dolphins have visited, and boobies (the birds) are becoming more common. Only masked and brown so far—still looking for the famous blue-footed! A very content little boat as we go into another phosphorescent and star-filled night.
P.S. Hope you have an amazing birthday party, Gran. Sorry I’m not there!
- Mary, FALKEN Skipper
If you are reading this blog, please write some comments in the section below and we’ll send them over to the crew to read. I am sure they will love it.
- Mia & Andy (shore support on Leg 5, Panama to Galapagos)
FALKEN|Skipper&Mate
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People Get Ready!
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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.