0209 UTC | 32º 28.9’N 120º 03.07’W
Sailing
Falken has almost rounded the Channel Islands and is cruising along splendidly about 100 miles offshore. Though several models predicted some slightly fresher winds today, we were met with a consistent 18-20 kts of pure bliss. Falken is truly a dream to sail in these conditions — her acceleration down waves fueling yelps of glee on deck and her gentle rocking lulling those down below to sleep.
With such pleasant conditions, I’ve actually found that I have to force myself to get enough sleep. It’s simply such fun sailing! While no marine life was spotted today, we did have a very small, quite precocious bird with us for a few hours. The little guy was comfortable with us from the jump, drinking water out of Lynn’s palm, landing on my head, and even standing squarely on the helm whilst I steered— perhaps a subtle message that my steering was subpar (?).
The crew is equally comfortable with each other. To be fair, that usually happens on 59º North trips, but that gelling sometimes takes several days. Not with this group! It seems that from the moment we left the dock in San Francisco, there has been much laughter and conversation amongst everyone. The group has helped me with my (very tragically British) book of crossword puzzles, though Lynn is clearly the crossword queen and I would truly be lost without her. Between Jason’s questions, Jeff’s peculiar riddle (or was it Chris?), Ryan’s culinary offerings, and Maestro Alex’s whiteboard sessions, no one has been left bored nor hungry.
The plan is to gybe in a few hours and begin our approach to Ensenada. For tonight, we’re all planning to soak up our last full night at sea. With a new moon and clear skies, the stars have been incredible. As much as I do appreciate the jokes and intellectual musings, I equally appreciate the natural, silent moments we share at night, all of us on watch gazing up above to the shooting stars, constellations, and planets putting on their quiet show.
Love to all!
Zoe Peach-Riley (Apprentice)
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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.
Adios Ensenada!
Around 9am this morning, we slipped lines and made our way out of Todos Los Santos Bay with a pre-arranged escort pod of dolphins. After a few hours of motoring through very calm, very blue, very kelpy seas, we clicked the engine off and off we went. After some delicious frittata and not-new potatoes a-la Adam, we executed our first of many tacks. With only 5-10 kts of wind, our close haul has been nothing but pleasant so far. After a lovely week in Ensenada for me, Alex, and Adam, we’re stoked to finally head out and begin our upwind journey back up the coast.