Skip to main content

Nearly There

Yesterday we crossed an imaginary line on the chart into a sailors dream. Crossing 30 degrees north feels like entering a whole new world. Clear skies, warm trade winds whispering in the rigging, and sunshine – a welcome change after days of relentless clouds and cool temperatures. Even the clouds themselves look different – those fluffy ones with flat bottoms, just like you see in the tropics.
We're less than 40 nautical miles from the marina now, and the anticipation is building. Busy days and restful nights filled with uninterrupted sleep – luxuries we haven't had much of lately – are definitely on the agenda.
The constant dampness seems like a distant memory as we dry out under the warm sunshine. Those perpetually damp socks are finally getting a chance to breathe (and maybe even a triumphant return to the sock draw or even garbage bag as hopefully they wont be required again!).
We're definitely looking forward to a chance to restock supplies, catch up on some maintenance, and enjoying the Canarian welcome that awaits us. But for now, we're savoring the feeling of warm trade winds and the promise of a good night's sleep under clear skies. The Atlantic can be a fickle mistress, but today, she's treating us right. Here's to fair winds, following seas, and a blog rest as the rules of delivery blogs mean I don't have to write one in port!

Popular posts from this blog

Last 24hrs

This is our last full day and night at sea. Tomorrow, we'll be tied up in the marina in Tahiti , and I'll be turning off the engines for the last time. The main and headsail will be dropped and stowed away, and I won't be touching the sheets or halyards again. It feels peculiar to think that Namarie and I have kept each other safe throughout this incredible journey, and in a few days, I'll be on a plane heading home. On this yacht delivery Namarie and I started in the Bay of Biscay and headed south into the Atlantic, getting to know each other along the way. We made a brief stop in the Canary Islands, our last contact with Europe before heading further south and leaving footprints in the red dust of Cape Verde. We left West Africa behind and headed further west across the Atlantic, dodging hurricanes and grabbing fuel and provisions in the southern end of the Caribbean. From there, we pushed onwards through the Caribbean Sea to Panama and the canal. Pretty soon after, ...
Read more

Off We Go

The dream of a seamless yacht delivery aboard the Fontaine Pajot 47 seemed like a solid plan. However, life, with its unpredictable currents, threw us a curveball. My trusted crewmate was struck by the ever-present Covid! Even though he's as tough as old sea boots, it definitely slowed him down. The pre-departure days were a delicate balancing act. While the initial concerns about a sick crewmate were undeniable, a strong sense of purpose took hold. Provisioning, finalizing paperwork, and familiarizing myself with Namarie became a mission with Craig putting in 110% effort despite his 20% health. Constant communication with my recuperating crewmate ensured a smooth handover of duties, keeping the team spirit alive despite maintaining physical separation and wearing masks. Stepping aboard Namarie, the initial awe at her sleek lines and luxurious interior was palpable. However, the euphoria was tempered by a healthy dose of respect for the vessel's complexity. The sophisticated na...
Read more

Jobs Done!

We made it! Namarie is now safely tied up in the marina in Tahiti, and we're about to do the handover and fly home. I couldn't have done this without the help of two absolutely fantastic crew members who each sailed a quarter of the way around the world. Throughout the entire trip, there hasn't been a single harsh word spoken, and everyone has been eager and enthusiastic to do whatever was necessary. Craig and Adam have been invaluable, contributing their positive energy and good humor. I'm incredibly grateful for their commitment to this adventure. I've learned a lot on this voyage and am extremely grateful for not only the company but also the can-do attitude and support. The blog will be taking a break for a while, as will I. However, I plan to share occasional updates until the next delivery. By then, I hope my creative juices will be topped up and ready to go.
Read more