22:00 | 04° 39.2’N 094°04.04’W
Sailing
Oh, The Places You’ll Go. A Book by Dr. Seuss.
I find myself making passage between exotic locations on Falken for the 5th time. Blessed with great friends and having been in the right place at the right time a couple times, I have come to deeply treasure this type of exploration and adventure.
Trips with 59º North build confidence and experience doing things that might seem difficult or dangerous to those reluctant to take the plunge, but the most valuable lesson I have learned on all these trips is that planning and preparation make these trips routine, but with a plan for all types of emergency should they arise. I had no worry/jitters/concern prior to departure, just anticipating getting settled, hauling anchor, and sailing a reach for a following sea. (It was a little more upwind than a reach, but this story makes the “Southern Cross” lyrics work).
On these trips, we have young and old, new sailors, and old salts. Everyone can learn something from our peers (as well as the staff), and has something to share. I am often asked by others who can’t imagine doing this if I know people on the boat. The literal answer is almost always ‘no’. However, over these 5 trips, I have come to understand that those that embark on this type of offshore expedition have many of the same qualities and values, so they are in fact people I know, but haven’t met yet. The same is true with this crew today.
As of now, we are anticipating bearing off from South-West to West-South-West, after successfully “Making for the Trades on the outside, and the downhill run to(wards) Papeete”.
-Adam Baker
Adam Baker
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Passages and Purposes
As of today, Falken has taken us over 1800nm across the North Pacific. We’ve learned about water-makers, starter motors, furling, taking in and letting out reefs, easing and grinding, weather and wind, helming by course and by wind angles, and the difference between rest and sleep. For now, the latest challenge is to stay in the moment. The memories we’ve made here are priceless, even if we only connected for a few moments on our various paths in this world. So few people get this opportunity to “go dark” and live simply for a moment.
Baptism Off Ka’ena Point
For the ancient Hawaiians, O’ahu was the gathering place. On day one of Falcon’s passage to British Columbia, we were to pass this headland. In short order, the winds built to well over 30 knots on the beam. Below deck I took a seat on the low side and became drenched in sweat. I had finally rounded Ka’ena point.
Turning the corner
Yesterday found Falken on a Northward course, still heeled to port, climbing and falling over waves. Sunrise this morning found Falken in an entirely different condition, one familiar to her, but not yet to the current crew. And then a truly magic moment, a pod of dolphins at least fifty members strong came to dance on Falken’s bow wave. We are now joyfully headed northeast, on course toward our eventual destination of Prince Rupert. Falken has turned a corner.