Location: 27*45.014'S 46*40.388'E
Today was one of those mornings where you woke up and held on! The sea state had picked up overnight as we were in an area where there were two different tides and the wind all heading in different directions meaning the sea had no idea which way was left and which way was right!
We had tacked during the night (changing the direction by putting the bow (front) of the boat through the wind), which meant that we were able to turn west, pointing us in a straight line to our destination of Richard’s Bay. It was exciting for us all to have finally made the turn and now really be heading to SA. Mine and Elle’s watch team of Finley, Max, Mads, Dylan, Sierra, and Gillian really impressed us last night with such a smooth tack demonstrating how much they had learned during these last 68 days! Max and Fin worked on the mainsail, whilst Dylan helped Elle with the jib, and Sierra and Gillian sheeted in the forward staysail. Mads acted as relay to me on the helm as our voices could not compete with the 30-knot winds! The sea state had started to pick up last night, and it was mesmerizing to see the bowsprit be dunked underwater, and the spray coming off the bow be lit up green and red by our navigation lights.
When we came back up for our morning watch, the waves had grown even more in size, and some were so huge that even from the height of the boat, they were still at eye level of us sat on board. Everyone’s faces when they came up on deck were of such excitement and of true appreciation for the power of the ocean. It is also getting so much colder both during the day and especially at night. It is funny to see everyone’s eclectic mix of clothes as we are all wearing whatever layers we have for warmth. Who knew socks and crocs would become so popular!
Being down below this morning really gave you a true appreciation of how at sea, even the simplest of tasks can become a huge challenge! I went into the galley this morning to make tea and came across some of watch team one in the wide-legged, total brace position staring at their bowls, daring them to stay still just for one moment whilst they did something seemingly simple like open a cupboard. Whilst at home you wouldn’t think twice about this task, onboard it is a totally different situation, and you really do have to plan every next move so you can be ready for when the boat decides that maybe you really did want to visit the other side of the galley! After my tea and Emily’s coffee had decided they’d rather be all over the floor than in our cups, we decided maybe it wasn’t worth it, and for those of you who know me at home, you know how much I like tea…
The colder weather has meant that we are all sleeping so much better, and our snuggly blankets are the best thing to curl up under after a cold night of being up on deck. Even during the day, napping has become so much more enjoyable because rather than having the fan on the highest speed and trying to stay cool, the cool breeze means that we can snuggle up and be rocked to sleep. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves so much more on this passage as they know what they are in for and understand how everything works so much better. It seems crazy that we are on day 68 already. Being underway really makes the time fly by.
I hope everyone reading this at home is doing well, and I know we’re all excited to be able to talk to you again, Amy x
PS. Hi everyone, love and miss you – not long until we can catch up! Hope you’re all okay xxx
Photos;
1. Watch team 2
2. All the crew of Vela