‘The Drift’ technique

2024-2 | RACING | Middle Sea Race
Nikki Henderson
Nikki Henderson

NikkiHenderson

Passage Blog
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
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

View more passage logs

View all posts

Dolphin party!

Kate was about to yank the spinnaker’s sock down when I spotted a stampede of fins heading straight for us. ”Dolphins!”, I yelled back to the cockpit excitedly. Post dinner dish duty was halted down below for the show.

23/4/2026
Dolphin party!

The pool is open!

We stopped the boat, got the ladder down and put out a line with a fender behind the boat. I love swimming in the middle of the ocean, and a bit scary when you realize its more than 4000+ m deep! Love it!

Maria Karlsson
21/4/2026
The pool is open!

Big Pink Sail Day

I had a most fashionable pointed striped hat at dinner, and out of the depths of a cupboard a cake was created, after 14 days at sea. A group of people I had never met two weeks ago made me feel very special today.

19/4/2026
Big Pink Sail Day