Location: Underway to Barbados
What a welcome break we found here in the Salvation Islands. We all enjoyed a few moments of (relative) stillness. This was the least rolly we have been since leaving Cape Town, as both St. Helena and Fernando were almost as rolly as being on passage.
Everyone enjoyed being able to get off the boat and explore the island for a while. Emma set up an epic challenge course, and everyone had a great time running around the jungly oasis nestled on the edge of the Amazon. It really felt like we were walking through an apocalyptic world, with all the buildings slowly being consumed by the jungle.
This morning, we prepped the boat for the final leg of our Atlantic crossing to Barbados and picked up anchor. We took our time bringing the anchor chain up to ensure we cleaned off all the thick mud. Henry took the helm as we hauled anchor and moved into deeper water to raise some sails. We were still tucked into sheltered water behind the island while we hoisted the main, and it was nice not having to do this in a big sea state.
As we left the islands, we ventured back into exposed weather and seas. We were immediately met with a strong squall that gave us a much-welcomed boost of speed, leaving the islands. Vela doesnt get to sail on a close reach very often, so its a lot of fun when she does, especially when supported by a strong current like the Guiana!
Vela pounded through the waves, sending splashes well above the bow like we were on a flume ride at a water park. There were also big patches of sargassum in the water, so every time we hit a wave with a patch of it, the seaweed would fly up just as high as the spray. It looked like we had just run into a giant feathery bird!
Thats all for today, check in tomorrow for some awesome sailing updates!
Mac
To the LaBarges, I love and miss you all!