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
View more passage logs
Seasickness
But maybe, I thought, with some drugs I could stay ahead of it. The first 48 hours I felt horrible. But luckily with 3 health care professionals on board and in a very encouraging environment, my body found its way. Anyway, someone offered me a patch (unavailable in Canada) and someone else gave me some pills for nausea and now I feel much, much better.
Dolphins and Bioluminescence
We had a good run with the sails but weather has changed and we are once again chasing the wind. Everyone is getting a chance to practice helming in big swell; starting to get a feel of the wind and water and how it pushes and pulls the hull. A pod of dolphins came to visit at night, splashing in the bioluminescent water, and again in the day, dancing in the bow wake. For now enjoying the calmer sea state and falling asleep to the rumble of the engine and the gentle whooshing of the water on the hull.
Greetings from Lala Lemonshark
The brave crew is toughing it out and staying cheerful despite being tossed around. The engine is off and we are true sailing-main and jib. In the first 12 hours we saw two pods of Orca and four humpback whales, two of which were 20 yards off the starboard beam!