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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Shooting Stars & Turtle Logs
Day three out of Ketchikan and FALKEN is running wing on wing down the outside of Vancouver Island. The temptation is to lie back in the cockpit and spend the night watching for shooting stars, but a diligent watch is always the first priority. So we keep a sharp eye out while the shooting stars keep us company through the night. The wildlife keeps coming: humpback and minke whales, five mola molas, dolphins, and a black-footed albatross. We are all feeling lucky for such conditions!
Pot dodging and whale watching
Duncan got us up to eleven knots at one point! The Ferriers also logged our first Orca sighting on their 3am-6am watch! This morning is a gift as the temps are just right and we finally have some blue sky and plenty of sunshine. It was a glorious few hours sailing before it inevitably died as forecast. I live in hope that by sunset tonight we’ll be back sailing as we emerge out of the lee of the island and the wind will be more westerly which lends itself to a better sailing angle.
We are off!
After two days of introductions, safety briefings and boat procedures we have departed Ketchikan. We are currently making a whopping 3.3 knots as there is very little wind in Nichols Passage. Adam fed us well last night with a delicious shrimp curry and Duncan was the winner of a sporty game of the card version Monopoly. With the scenic views and light wind it's quite peaceful out here.