‘The Drift’ technique
October 22, 2024, 07:00 Local Time
It’s 7am on—well, I actually have no idea what day it is; such is the nature of offshore sailing. Probably day 3? Yes, that’s right. We woke up on the first morning to an awful swell and no wind, contrasted with yesterday’s sunrise in which we were screaming along west from Stromboli—boat speeds in the consistent teens as we surfed with the A4 up. Now, this morning, the water is glassy and we are perfecting ‘The Drift’ technique (not in the ASA/RYA training guides as of yet).
It’s actually Lisa’s birthday today! Our courageous—slightly mad—up-for-anything power woman who had barely stepped foot on a boat a week and a half ago and now runs the bow like she has been doing it for years. This kind of story is exactly why we do this. Because it’s fulfilling, it’s inspiring, it means something to see people expand their comfort zone, learn something new, and embrace life with a proactive attitude!
So anyway—back to sailing—we have put in an order for wind and we are still pushing 😊
On another note, we have heard stories of various boats who had to retire and send our best to all of them for a speedy recovery, mentally and physically! Especially to our dock neighbours ‘Coco’. That first day was pretty scary.
- Nikki Henderson
To follow the race: download the app ‘YB Races’, add ‘ROLEX Middle Sea Race 2024’ to your races, and look for the boat YAGIZA.
NikkiHenderson
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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.
Among the Channel Islands
In the wind shadow of SoCal we had a restful night with calm conditions ghosting through smooth seas. We’re getting ourselves in position for spicy weather tonight once we round Cape Conception, the seas build and the breeze freshens. It will be an upwind sail into an acceleration zone along a formable coast with few bailout points, Morro Bay being one. The crew is really gelling with lots of smiles and laughter on deck. Monterey is in our sights!