Skip to main content

Weeeeeeeeee!

We're absolutely flying today! Averaging a steady 7 to 7.5 knots, thanks in part to the Volvo (those engine hours are creeping up nicely) and a fantastic push from the following wind. Gusts of up to 24 knots keep things exciting, and every now and then, we catch a wave that propels us forward at a thrilling 10-12 knots – surfing on the open ocean, what a feeling!

The wildlife sightings are picking up, too. Yesterday, a pod of dolphins entertained us with their playful antics, and we even spotted a whale cruising by, maybe 150 meters from the boat. The lack of birds, however, is a bit concerning. It always makes me wonder if overfishing has depleted the food sources in these areas.

With the absolute game changer of starlink we had a quick chat with the folks at the marina yesterday, and they assured me they'll be waiting with open arms (or maybe an open limo and a brass band, if I'm lucky?). The best part? A noticeable improvement in temperature! Looks like my complaints about damp socks will soon be replaced by grumbles about the heat. Such are the sailor's woes!

One minor caveat to our otherwise perfect day – the wind. While it's a welcome push south, it's currently blowing almost due north, which means it's also trying to nudge us a little too close to those "rudder chomping beasts" I'd rather keep at a distance (you know, the ones with the big teeth). To avoid any unwanted encounters, we'll likely gybe the boat later today, adjusting our course slightly to maintain a safe distance from our toothy friends.

Here's to a smooth gybe, continued good weather, and maybe even a slightly less enthusiastic welcome than a brass band (although, who am I kidding, that would be pretty cool). 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

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, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Banana For Scale

Today, let's take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and what lies ahead. Forget bananas for scale – this adventure is measured in Atlantic crossings! We've already completed roughly one such crossing, getting to Cape Verde from La Rochelle. Another awaits us to reach the Caribbean, followed by half an Atlantic crossing from the Caribbean to Panama, and then… buckle up… two more Atlantic crossings to reach Tahiti from Panama! While traversing the Atlantic is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most, doing it back-to-back is a whole new level of adventure. Thankfully, we have some incredible technology on our side: exceptionally detailed weather models that provide reliable forecasts up to 10 days out. Considering our average daily distance is around 150 nautical miles, that means we can see weather developing 1500nm in front of us and plan around that! We primarily rely on ECMWF and GFS models to track weather patterns. For the past 7 days, we've been closely monitor...
Post a Comment
Read more