Location: North Atlantic
Vela’s journey so far on the Atlantic ocean has been quite eventful. Today was no different. Starting early this morning, Watch Team 1 on the sunrise watch (0400-0800) was the last to benefit from the wind’s power, and as the wind was close to nonexistent by 0530, proceeded to drop both jibs and the main sail. With sunrise came a pod of dolphins gliding through the waters by the bow, which Watch Team 2 and 3 were not awakened to see. Then captain Tom and Max were hard at work starting the engine to continue powering us forward towards the Azores. What ensued was total incomprehensibility. A crucial screw was dropped and disappeared for a few hours down in the bilges. By then, Vela was moving by current speed only and reached the jaw-dropping number of SOG 0.0. Watch Team 2 had come to relieve the ever-so-tired WT1 and were keeping hard to port but still moving to starboard. THEN! Amanda managed to slither her way across the engine room’s bowels and secured our screw to success.
With our engine finally on, WT3 awoke to the calm after the storm. It was time for Sage’s cheffing day, and boy did they deliver. The Greek spinach pie was delicious, and we were all fueled up for some BA. Boat Appreciation was carried out dutifully by all, she cares for us, and we care for her. After some hard work, the calm seas from the lack of wind allowed the crew to dip in the ocean for some well-deserved fun. With Vela calmly drifting for a second time today, we enjoyed jumping from the bow sprit and swimming over a depth of 5,000 meters. The sea was of the deepest blue, clear but for the sun’s sparkle on her surface. Everyone marveled at our incredible opportunity and the amazing depths below us. Plankton was observed on the ship’s microscope from a water sample collected during our stop. There even were larvae starfish!
After, we enjoyed some downtime before dinner, which was an oh-so-good curry with naan bread. The sunset was marvelous, filling the sky with deep reds, bright pinks, and soft yellows. We jammed out in the cockpit while cleaning up. Life is good.
As always, our days on Vela are eventful but always enjoyed. Our Atlantic crossing has most certainly changed our views of Earth, our classroom being just on the other side of Vela’s hull, and we collectively are beyond grateful to be here.
The stars are shining tonight, and I just have to say hi one last time before bed. Faites de beaux reves.