Dear F&F, Galapagos to Marquesas Passage Flying Fish Scott describes flying fish as the \”flies of the sea\”. That seems appropriate. The first few days we had them non-stop. We still see them frequently. Out here they are about 6-8 inches long with a 6-8 inch wing span. A whole flock will rise up out …
Dear F&F, June 14, 2009 When I took over for Mike at midnight we had good wind strength from a good direction & it was fairly easy to fly the spinnaker. Those lovely conditions lasted for 1 hour of my 4 hour watch. At hour 2 the wind dwindles to below spinnaker flying parameters. I …
Dear F&F, June 13, 2009 The wind gods had pity on me during my dog watch yesterday evening. With just 2 knots more wind, our speed was better and managing the helm easier. I was worn out from wallowing in negativity so slept quite well from 8:30 pm until 3:00 a.m. I could tell the …
Dear F&F, June 2009 – Passage to the Marquesas In response to my complaints about sleep deprivation and seasickness, I received this in an email from my sister Alberta: \”I think you are amazing even tolerating it at all. I probably would have quit by now.\” I know she is not the only one thinking …
Dear F&F, June 12, 2009 After my eloquent but self-righteous piece \”Quitting is Not An Option\” Mother Nature decided to test and humble me. Getting off easy during the past few night shifts by motoring, the day shifts have been more trying than ever. Just when I think \”I\’ve got it\” something changes and new …
Dear F&F, June 11, 2009 Passage Report – Day #12 We have had no wind in about 24 hours. Zippity doo dah. Nada. Nyet. So onward we motor to the Marquesas. Scott desperately seeks weather reports that show when & where the next breath of air will appear, but it does not look hopeful. The …
Dear F&F, June 8-10, 2009 The fact that I am happy to be motoring for my night shift 2 nights in a row says less about my passion for sailing but more about my weariness with \”video\” games. I described how tedious it is to keep the spinnaker flying in light air. We have had …
Dear F&F, June 5-7, 2009 I continue to be sleep challenged. Last night I had the 8:00 pm to midnight watch. I was nice & drowsy by the end. Took a hot shower & hopped into bed. One hour later I am awakened by Scott snoring. I moved up to the salon with a book …
Dear F&F, June 3-4, 2009 I struggled to keep the spinnaker flying in light & shifty air during my 8:00 p.m. to midnight shift. Poor Mike had what even he, Mr. Sunny in All Circumstances, called the \”watch from heck\” midnight to 4:00 a.m. Keeping the boat sailing downwind in light air is a real …
Dear F&F, May 31 – June 3, 2009 I am writing on Tuesday June 2nd. We are so busy you would not believe it. Day #1 Sunday we had 5 sail changes. Monday Day #2 we flew the spinnaker all day & night but 2 things broke, the after guy line and the water tow …