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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Kärt barn har många namn
A dear child goes by many a name, or as we say in Swedish "kärt barn har många namn". This is the case for many a person, but also some species, not least the Mahi mahi, which also goes by dolphin fish, golden mackerel, and dorado, among others. Soon, we could see the fish jump, a hundred feet or so behind the boat, and as I kept reeling, a beautiful Mahi appeared under the surface. Manot showed us how to clean and fillet it, and after a complete team effort two large fillets are now in the freezer of Adrienne II.
Cast off the lines
When we awoke it was overcast but the Brazilian sun quickly burned the clouds away and we were left with blue skies. We reviewed some safety procedures, cleaned the boat and had an exciting Person Overboard (POB) recovery. Once we were underway spirits soared as we pointed the bow toward the Canary Islands. As I write this we are heading upwind and dealing with all that involves, and working into our first watches. It is hot, a bit bumpy but we are sailing!!
People Get Ready!
The last three days have been an intense (and intensely hot) period of discovery, practice, and planning. Because Adrienne II is not a 59N boat, there's been some extra setup and coordination needed including rigging all the sails that were out for repairs before we arrived. Its been a blast working alongside the 59N team getting to help them work things out on a less familiar boat in real time. Tomorrow morning we'll run through our Person Over Board training as the final pre-departure task, cast off and head out. Can't know all that it will be, but its going to be a great adventure out in the vast world with some pretty fantastic people.