|
|
|
|
|
| 3rd Leg Fortaleza to Trinidad |
On Oct. 18th, we began the 3rd Leg of our Crossing. During this Leg, we
made our best and worst runs.
During our first 4 days, we sailed 800 miles, thanks to good winds and a
strong current. Our best daily run was 224 nm.
During this leg, John and I practiced raising and lowering the sails and
spinnaker many times.
One of the highlights of this leg was crossing the equator. I was
disappointed that there wasn't a sign or dark line (like on the globe) or
even a bump when we went across. But we celebrated anyway!
One night we were joined on board by a couple of stowaway birds. From
our bird book, we identified them as Common Noddys. They rode on the
bimini all night, then flew away at first light.
Playful dolphins came by on more than one occasion. They swam along
with us, like we were part of their pod.
We continued to be fascinated by some amazing creatures called Flying
Fish. Yes, they really are fish and they really do fly, not very high but in
any direction they choose. Some directionally-challenged ones ended up
on the boat and their flying days were over. I was never able to get a
picture of them, because they seemed to only fly when they wanted to
and not when I had the camera on.
As we were closing in on Trinidad, the wind and current gods stopped
blessing us. We suffered through several days of no wind, which meant
we had to motor. It was hot, noisy and tiring.
But, alas, finally the winds came and so did Trinidad. After 6 weeks and
5500 miles, our Atlantic crossing was complete! What an adventure of a
lifetime!
made our best and worst runs.
During our first 4 days, we sailed 800 miles, thanks to good winds and a
strong current. Our best daily run was 224 nm.
During this leg, John and I practiced raising and lowering the sails and
spinnaker many times.
One of the highlights of this leg was crossing the equator. I was
disappointed that there wasn't a sign or dark line (like on the globe) or
even a bump when we went across. But we celebrated anyway!
One night we were joined on board by a couple of stowaway birds. From
our bird book, we identified them as Common Noddys. They rode on the
bimini all night, then flew away at first light.
Playful dolphins came by on more than one occasion. They swam along
with us, like we were part of their pod.
We continued to be fascinated by some amazing creatures called Flying
Fish. Yes, they really are fish and they really do fly, not very high but in
any direction they choose. Some directionally-challenged ones ended up
on the boat and their flying days were over. I was never able to get a
picture of them, because they seemed to only fly when they wanted to
and not when I had the camera on.
As we were closing in on Trinidad, the wind and current gods stopped
blessing us. We suffered through several days of no wind, which meant
we had to motor. It was hot, noisy and tiring.
But, alas, finally the winds came and so did Trinidad. After 6 weeks and
5500 miles, our Atlantic crossing was complete! What an adventure of a
lifetime!
Crossing the equator called for champagne!
Hitching a ride.
Dolphins come to play!
Heading for the homestretch!
Checking in at Chaguaramus in Trinidad!
We made it! Flags up!