Flying fish and cartoon clouds

Position: 10°32.3’S 100°52.3’W Course: 258° Speed: 7.4 knots

This morning began with a mission: a rescue operation. Our early deck patrol was all about finding the flying fish—those little silver torpedoes of the sea—that had chosen Tecla as their unintended runway during the night. Some didn’t make it. Others, miraculously still flapping, were carefully returned to their great blue home. We hope the ocean gods took note—surely, a little flying fish karma can go a long way on a day at sea.

And what a day it has been.

By 09:00, we were able to shut off the engine—sweet, sweet silence! In its place, a nice breeze filled in, enough to set us gliding smoothly over the deep blue, doing a joyful 7.7 knots. The sails were trimmed with care by Lisa and me, and Tecla responded with grace, moving gently on the long ocean swell. Every now and then, we catch a swell out of the southwest—odd, but impressive in size, hinting at strong winds far, far away.

Above us, the sky was painted with small cumulus clouds, the very picture of trade wind paradise. Joana, with her artist’s eye, called them “cartoon clouds”—and with that poetic touch, she earned herself Picture of the Day. It’s true—they look like something straight out of an illustrated children’s book: perfect puffs against a bold blue canvas.

With the good weather came good moods. Lunch was enjoyed outside, books were opened in shady spots, and the sun warmed our faces without scorching our spirits. It’s amazing what a shift in weather can do to life on board—a calm ocean and a friendly sky are all we need.

Today also marked the beginning of our Celestial navigation course. Our sextants are out, notes ready, and minds sharp. We’re hoping the next few days stay clear—none of those stubborn stratus blankets like earlier this week. With cumulus skies, we dream of sights and sunlines!

Spirits are light, the breeze is fair, and the horizon calls.

All is well on board, Jet