07 32.73’N 086 29.34’W 2139 UT
We had fairly calm seas and good winds for the first half of the day with a happy crew, full Yankee and the main up. After our delicious beans we got to eat Adam’s famous M&M birthday cake and sing happy birthday to Matt, who got a brilliant half-moon moonset and bioluminescence all through the night. The sunset got a 6.8-star rating from our captain, which is quite high.
We surfed through the night; the seas were smooth to slight (?) and the stars bright enough to guide us. After the moon set it got a bit trickier somehow to see the stars, but the Papagayo winds stayed with us for longer than expected, allowing us to sail over 200 miles. We saw manta rays, and a pod of pantropic spotted dolphins came to dance on our wake. We jibed a couple of times through the night and then sailed wing on wing in the morning before ultimately motoring with 3 reefs in the rest of the day after the wind died down. We used the spinnaker pole to go wing on wing (the pole gets attached by the “donkey dick” on the mast, and we learned that in Spanish wing on wing translates to “donkey ears,” so we’re big fans of the donkey here today.) It’s been hot, dry, and sunny, but everyone’s spirits remain high. Captain Mary’s lime Tajín papaya slices are a hit.
// Andreea
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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.