Position: 24°18.9’N 160°40.7’W | Course: 340° | Speed: 7,2kn
The North Pacific had some energy to spare today. With nearly 190 miles sailed in our first 24 hours, we’re definitely making progress. Throughout the afternoon, we had passing showers that made the wind a bit jumpy. Just when we thought we had a steady breeze, it picked up again and pushed us close to 10 knots — time to take some pressure off.
We dropped the jib (our Forejib) and made plans to set the storm jib instead. The traveller got stuck all the way out on our short jibboom, so I sent Floris forward to give it a nudge — one of the contenders for picture of the day. The winning photo, though, was his own: a perfect sunset reflected in the porthole of the aft cabin.
Now under reefed sails we can handle a lot. With the wind up and the clouds coming in, the ocean was full of contrast today — shifting light, shifting colours, shifting moods. A few of us are still finding our sea legs, especially now that the boat’s heeling more and the motion is less predictable.
We have had some amazing birds around, red footed boobies, Hawaiian Shearwaters and tropic birds. We thought it may mean fish! So the line was set out, but so far, no bite yet.
We celebrated the 4th of July with hot dogs, mustard (of course), and some pretty impressive sugar cookies with stars and stripes.
The miles are ticking away, and the Aleutians feel just that little bit closer. And while I’m focused on the crew, the sails and the sea — part of me is wondering about the next leg already. How is the ice situation, any early indications on melt? We are in an in-between La Nina and El Nino year, any effect..? And with many familiar faces joining I am just hoping it will be another amazing Northwest Passage experience.
All is well on board,
Jet
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