Quick stop in Ua-Pou
08.55 BOAT TIME | 10º 26.2’ S 140º 56.1’W
Sailing
Good morning from FALKEN, it’s 8.55 onboard and we have been underway less than 12 hours, but it feels like we have been sailing for days. A lot have happened though since we left our secure anchorage in Nuku Hiva on Wednesday...
Lets back up to Tuesday when crew arrived to FALKEN. 8 excited crew waited for us with bags at the dock ready for the next adventure. Most of them had already gotten to know each other before, crew connect over email months before the passage even starts, and some of them discovered they were on the same flights and staying at the same place (Nuku Hiva is not a big place :) ). So when we met them at the dinghy dock, it felt like we met a group of friends rather than eight strangers. Once onboard, they got their bunk assigned and we took everyone on a walkthrough below and on deck, getting to know their new home for the next ten days. As Mary mentioned in the last blog, we had some plans to explore one more island before leaving the Marquesas and the goal was to set out before lunch the next day. After a night sleep on anchor, thankfully the boat cools off enough that it’s not too hot at night, we had a quick breakfast and continued with briefings so everyone would know the boat before setting off.
We had a beautiful sail to Ua-Pou, 25 nm south of us. South meant upwind sailing, but with the wind around 12-15 kts, we had a pleasant 4 hr sail before we dropped anchor in the middle of the bay. We sent a shore party ashore before the sun set and learned a lot about the island thanks to Amy who appears to be the expert in meeting locals and getting the scoop ashore. They met Martin, who works for the local collage and happily shared everything they wanted to know. They picked Pomelos and Pomegranate in his back yard, and came back with the 3 biggest cucumber I have ever seen from a neighbours garden. I stayed back onboard few a few of the crew and went for a much needed swim, and Mary served an amazing tuna dinner after dark.
A quick nap, and anchor up at 21.30 and straight into offshore sailing and watch systems. I had a great sleep after my watch and woke up to sunshine and chatter. Pete and Mike are hanging down below in the saloon, staying away from the sun as long as possible. Jessie at the helm with Kate and Steve on watch together with her. Mary is up and Zoe just went down for a nap. The rest of the crew is also in their bunks, resting. So far, no one have been sea sick yet and yes, the sun is still hot (hoping on clouds and shared later from the sails).
Cheers from Mia & the FALKEN crew
Mia
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The Human Factor
Thus our existence slowly reverted to a much simpler form of being. We start to notice the smaller things, we start looking up and around, we start observing our thoughts. Sailing can be a great social accelerator. Sharing hardship and milestones, friendships are born and evolve at a speed that would seem impossible from land. And after those three weeks spent with you, I am getting ready to leave our vessel with the profound conviction that those bonds will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
The Penultimate Blog from Adrienne II
After 20 days, and 3000+ nautical miles, we're back on land. The motley crew of Adrienne II, consisting of 7 happy amateurs supported by 3 professionals, have completed an epic journey many dream of but few realize. So much of this trip has been about being present - with nature, with each other, with this boat. My biggest takeaway from this trip is the amazing crossing of the ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone). We all hope you've enjoyed the blog as much as we've enjoyed creating it.
Mother Nature, you’ve outdone yourself!
It’s been a great experience to have a non-traditional trans-Atlantic, as it’s been packed with genuinely cool features. The Doldrums!! A place sailors have been talking about for centuries. The unpredictability is what made it such an exhilarating experience. While some might be frightened or alarmed by this kind of weather, I was embodied with a sense of calm and awe. There’s something wildly beautiful about being reminded how small you are, while feeling so incredibly alive.