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)
View more passage logs
The gobbledygook of sailors
We sailors can come across as a cryptic bunch. Similar to almost all niche endeavors, it boils down to efficiency, safety and tradition. There are so many "ropes" and so much gear on a sailboat, that trying to identify them by descriptive terms just wouldn’t cut it. We’re in one of the best learning environments available to offshore sailors, and mistakes are a part of the process.
Dive on in
Life aboard Adrienne is hot and sticky. It was hilarious how fast we all started moving once we heard we might go for a swim in the ocean. With our captain’s blessing, we started jumping in, hooting and hollering, grinning like children on a carnival ride. It was simple and delightful and also mind-boggling to be bobbing and washing in the great ocean under a clear sky with nothing around but our floating home and each other. But the deeper cleaning of this ocean plunge will certainly linger for days.
Death on the high seas
I’m not going to lie - I really miss my dog. As we’re just now approaching Cap Verde (two thirds of the way) I can’t help but think of all the wonderful things that happen on a trip like this; strangers become friends, terror turns into confidence, and ignorance into knowledge. It’s not for everyone. But if you do decide to cross some of most isolated spaces on the planet in a small boat, you’re definitely in for a mighty interesting ride. And next time I’ll bring my dog with me. 😊