Turtles, stars and lasagna
03:00 UTC | 01°32.9’N 090°16.7’W
Sailing
We are officially underway! After clearing out customs and immigration (followed by a full boat inspection), FALKEN and her crew hoisted the anchor and got sailing straight away. Some wind holes and a few turtles later, we managed to find a more stable breeze, which we’re currently sailing in.
It’s currently nighttime onboard, and I have to say the sky we have is one of the best I have seen in my life. We can spot the Southern Cross, the Big Dipper, Spica, and so many other constellations mixed in with the Milky Way. It surely feels like we’re floating in space, with a flat sea state and Falken sliding at a steady 6 knots in 7.5 knots of breeze. The crew are struggling to choose what star to guide them on the helm!
Everyone is slowly settling into the routine, and we all very much enjoyed Mia’s famous first-night-at-sea lasagna, followed by our Glums and Glows (you would be proud, Andy).
Our plan is to keep heading on a southerly route until we find our beloved trade winds highway to take us to the Marquesas. Until then, we’re expecting light-ish winds with the occasional squall.
Not much more to report for now—going to go up on deck to enjoy the star show for the remainder of my watch!
Lots of love,
Alex Laline
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Passages and Purposes
As of today, Falken has taken us over 1800nm across the North Pacific. We’ve learned about water-makers, starter motors, furling, taking in and letting out reefs, easing and grinding, weather and wind, helming by course and by wind angles, and the difference between rest and sleep. For now, the latest challenge is to stay in the moment. The memories we’ve made here are priceless, even if we only connected for a few moments on our various paths in this world. So few people get this opportunity to “go dark” and live simply for a moment.
Baptism Off Ka’ena Point
For the ancient Hawaiians, O’ahu was the gathering place. On day one of Falcon’s passage to British Columbia, we were to pass this headland. In short order, the winds built to well over 30 knots on the beam. Below deck I took a seat on the low side and became drenched in sweat. I had finally rounded Ka’ena point.
Turning the corner
Yesterday found Falken on a Northward course, still heeled to port, climbing and falling over waves. Sunrise this morning found Falken in an entirely different condition, one familiar to her, but not yet to the current crew. And then a truly magic moment, a pod of dolphins at least fifty members strong came to dance on Falken’s bow wave. We are now joyfully headed northeast, on course toward our eventual destination of Prince Rupert. Falken has turned a corner.