44’19.7N 010’44.9W / 21-11-2025 / 01:54 board time
Between yesterday and today lies a world of difference. Yesterday we sailed under just a reefed mizzen and forestaysail. Today we set the full mainsail after already raising the number 2 jib, speeding along in beautiful sunny weather instead of the blistering cold rain.
What a day! It felt like a Sunday, a small gift unlike any other. The ocean was an intense blue; the waves were big but long, so we seemed to glide with them, occasionally surfing down their faces. Different bird species appeared—skuas were added to the list, along with shearwaters, probably Manx shearwaters.
Pods of dolphins passed by, mostly focused on hunting rather than playing with us. Even with our impressive speed, their food took priority.
In the afternoon, Martin spotted a sail on the horizon. I felt a little embarrassed not to have noticed it earlier, as it became quite obvious. We watched it approach with remarkable urgency. I checked the AIS to see its speed and our closest point of approach—then I saw it: the sailing yacht was doing 36 knots! Insane. As it drew nearer, we could see the trimaran hull cutting through the water, spray flying around it. Here we were, feeling like kings and queens of the world at our 8.5 knots, and then BP11 Solo Sailor raced past us, hitting 41.3 knots—almost as fast as a car on a Dutch N road.
We also spotted many rainbows, small bridges connecting one world to another, arching through skycastles and back to earth. Light traveling through water created these ephemeral paintings in the sky, humbling us all. Some were short and intense, others long, sleek, and perfectly round, stretching from one pot of gold to the next.
As the afternoon drew to a close, dark showers appeared on the horizon. I said, “thinking of reefing is reefing,” and we got to work with just the watch: Tooske, Mike, Mike, and Martin. We lowered the sail, adjusted the sheets, set a new tack, pulled in the reef tackle (which needed shortening), fastened the reef knots, and then raised the sail again. We continued at 7.5–8 knots, big smiles all around, teamwork perfect for staying ahead of the showers. Ready for the night.
Another shower passed by, winds shifting 40 degrees and strengthening to at least a fresh Beaufort. With this sail configuration and some downwind space, the showers remained entirely manageable.
Stars have come out again. The Milky Way is clearly visible – strong even. This has everything to do with no light pollution, not even from the moon.. as we have not seen the moon in days. Waiting to see the new moon rise soon.
All is well on board, Jet
pictures by Martin!
Previous Post
