As they say, smooth seas never made a skilled sailor, and our little adventure is certainly providing some valuable lessons in adaptation. The unusable sail was definitely a setback, but true to form, we're already brainstorming solutions.
Technology has truly come to the rescue in this case, thanks to Starlink. Not only did it allow us to research the marina, fuel situation, and clearance procedures in Cape Verde, but it also unearthed a glimmer of hope for our oversized sail! We've found a lead on a sailmaker who might be able to help us by cutting it down to size. It's a long shot, but it's a possibility far better than yesterday's outlook.
On a slightly more alarming note (at least from this sailor's perspective!), we managed to sail right off the edge of our current chart. The thought of approaching unknown islands and making an unplanned landfall is enough to send shivers down anyone's spine. Yes, sailors of yore did it all the time, but with a significantly higher risk of becoming "permanently landed," which is a fate we'd definitely prefer to avoid! Thankfully, technology once again stepped in. We were able to find, purchase, and download new charts for the area, lifting a huge weight off our shoulders.
This whole experience is a fantastic reminder of the incredible power of technology in modern sailing. It allows us to stay connected, informed, and (in our case) potentially salvageable! Here's to fair winds (and following seas once we get this detour sorted!), a big thank you to Starlink, and the ever-evolving world of nautical tools that keep us safe and on track.
Looks like smooth seas don't make a good Googler also.
Comments
Post a Comment