In-Port
We’ve just waved off the last of the crew at Papeete Marina, and another passage comes to an end.
Instead of the daily brief, I thought I’d sum up this trip from the eyes of this land crab. As a total novice sailor, this trip has constituted a lot of firsts. Among many, it was the first time off-shore sailing, first night watch, and first time on a sailing boat with what at the start of the trip were a bunch of strangers.
Starting off - after 4 days (for me) on the dock, getting underway was exciting. Seeing Papeete shrink into the distance, with the open ocean in front, was quite something. Being a Disney nerd, Moana’s “How far I’ll go” was blaring in my head. Awesome feels!
First night watch was a total novelty, and a breeze without kids to put back to bed. It also came with the consolation prize of the most spectacular night sky I have ever seen. Miles and miles away from any light pollution whatsoever, the Milky Way was clear as day, and the depth and magnitude of the starts felt immersive. No picture could ever capture that, but I made a pale attempt.
Sailing around the islands we’ve been spoilt rotten by spectacular sunrises and sunsets. We’ve seen dolphins frolicking, swam in pristine waters, drifted over coral in the best snorkeling I’ve ever seen. We’ve seen octopus and sharks, and tropical fish in every color and shape.
Waking up to roosters crowing and the sounds and gentle rocking of the ocean has been topped only by a cup of coffee on deck in the first morning light. I’ve slept like a baby on this boat (bar one travesty of a night), despite the heat and the noise. Maybe having a 4 year old and a 7 month old at home makes any child-less sleep appreciated?!? Nah, I miss my boys like mad by now, and can’t wait to get home and give them a huge cud.
I have to say though, out of everything, the thing I was the most nervous about before beginning this adventure was being trapped on a boat with a bunch of strangers…and it was worse that I could have ever imagined.
Jokes :) Vastly different personalities somehow learn to co-exist and thrive even on this very intimate setting. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of my fellow crew members, our stalwart and luvleh Skipper, and our very enthusiastic OHMYGODAMAZINGGG Mate for this grand adventure. You’ve each brought your own totally unique perspective and companionship, and we’ve shared a lot of laughs, weird games and crazy stories. Just remember guys, that da coconat-nat iza giant nat, and if yu drrink alat yu get verry fat.
Now, does Bermuda or Madeira sound better for next year?
Tack för mig,
Natalie
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Kärt barn har många namn
A dear child goes by many a name, or as we say in Swedish "kärt barn har många namn". This is the case for many a person, but also some species, not least the Mahi mahi, which also goes by dolphin fish, golden mackerel, and dorado, among others. Soon, we could see the fish jump, a hundred feet or so behind the boat, and as I kept reeling, a beautiful Mahi appeared under the surface. Manot showed us how to clean and fillet it, and after a complete team effort two large fillets are now in the freezer of Adrienne II.
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.