Location: Passage
We have officially reached a latitude under 23.5 degrees South, which means we have entered the tropics! Over the last few days, everyone has gone from wearing 2-3 layers on watch and sleeping under a mountain of fuzzy blankets, to breaking out the tank tops and getting used to sleeping without even a flat sheet covering them up. We knew this day would come, and although were very excited to swim in some warmer waters, the chill in the breeze will be missed! Either tomorrow or the next day, well cross another exciting landmark when we move from the Eastern to the Western Hemisphere across the Prime Meridian.
Otherwise, it was a pretty typical day underway – and I know youre all tired of hearing what we had for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so Ill spare you the details – but the student crew took their first IYT (International Yacht Training) exam in Nautical Science. They all studied very hard, knowing the prospect of gaining their first maritime certification – International Crew Competency – was on the table. Its an introductory exam for those looking to work in the sailing/yachting/maritime world. It will go a long way on a resume for not only those trying to work in the industry, but also all university/post-grad students, adding a super cool and out-of-the-ordinary certification to their CV. The ocean life also started to display signs of being in the tropics, with schools of flying fish and squid flying all around the boat, and our first whale sighting so far this passage.
With about 3-4 days to St. Helena, everyone is looking forward to the forecasted pick up in wind so we can turn the engine off and enjoy some awesome sailing, as we had for the first few days of passage!
Dear mum – I miss you lots & cant wait to talk to you in a few days <3