53°41.729’ N, 130°07.008’ W
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Local Time: 6:45pm | Position: 53°41.729’ N, 130°07.008’ W
Introducing one of our WILD intrepid explorers, Andre, for this afternoon’s blog:
Stereotypical Alaska
We all know that stereotypes can be, at best, unfair and even sometimes downright wrong. This trip is my first time in Alaska and it’s a safe bet that I had some preconceived notions about what Alaskan scenery would be like. And let me tell you, it’s exactly how I imagined: remote, rugged, expansive, mountainous, green, cloudy, foggy, rainy, beautiful, WILD. Stereotypical Alaska, am I right?
Day 1 of our journey started promptly at noon with crew introductions and a couple hours of orientation and safety from Skipper Nikki, mate Manot, and apprentice Lovis. Then, much to everyone’s delight, we learned we were leaving that same day to motor to a nearby anchorage. We were settled into the three-hour motor when someone yelled, “WHALES!” We were 90 minutes into our first day and Alaska already delivered with two whale flukes breaching the water. Stereotypical. After that excitement, we glided into a gorgeous and secluded bay, dropped the anchor, ate dinner, and went to bed.
Day 2 started early, weighing anchor at 5:30am for a day of motor sailing to Prince Rupert, BC to check in with Canadian customs. It was nearly non-stop rain but we all kept spirits up, always on the lookout for more sea life. We made good time to Prince Rupert, but as can happen, it was another three hours until the Canadian Border agents made it to our vessel to clear us into Canada. It was late and still raining, so we made the team decision to spend the night at the dock in Prince Rupert. Another delicious meal, some card games at the salon, and another peaceful night of sleep. Oh, be sure to ask your loved ones if they were the ones who got accidentally locked out of the marina. They might have a funny story for you.
Day 3 is still unfolding, but so far we’ve practiced crew overboard drills, been treated to sunshine, enough wind to sail, and the spectacular scenery of the Inside Passage. Oh, and just as I finish writing this, WHALE!
Oh, Canada, here’s to hoping our beliefs about the rest of our adventure hold true.
- Andre | 59º North Crew
FALKENCrew
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!