09-01-2025 // 32’45S 050’28W // SOG 9kn, COG 210
Flying along, or so it seems! 9 and frequently 10 knots are on the display. 6 days to go… It plays tricks with the mind like this. Not much earlier we were doing 4 knots… 14 days to go… That is sailing, always changing! So you better change with it!
We had been struggling with the new phenomena of headwinds since early morning. Not very strong, but enough to slow us down considerably… I tried bearing off, no good. Sometimes you have to be rude and reckless, so I tried more power on the throttle, no good. Headwinds normally have a way of getting under my skin, and today was no different. I hear myself cursing at the propeller for being too small, the boat for being too full in the head, the winds for being winds, and in the end, me for being me.
The question really was how much of these conditions will determine the course of your day. A bee in a bird’s nest never made any honey! Better change the tune. A pod of sperm whales normally does it. I counted 8 individuals! So good to share the ocean with these creatures!
Winds were picking up and slowly backing. I was still feeling pretty slack and needed some help to get to the deck and do as I must! “There will be no more crying,” said the gentle but firm voice. As soon as the jib and main were set, we were off. A little late for our 5-star dinner… Michael had prepared a 5-course curry with homemade naan bread!!! How does he do it!
With morale high, I went back to the deck. 10 knots beam reach, clouds on the horizon — better tuck in some reefs. 20 minutes later we were clearing the deck for the second time… We never slowed down, but the motion became much more friendly. Sometimes I should really say that I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m lucky I can say I have the time.
All is well
Gijs
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