Today was by far my favorite day on the water so far. Slightly better winds plus the Code Zero head sail had us almost doubling our average speed for the day. The sea state remains calm , the weather pleasant, and the swell relatively flat with long periods so the sailing feels smooth and beautiful.
Trimming (for the uninitiated: tightening/loosening/changing the shape of the sails to better match wind condition and angle relative to the boat) on this catamaran (more than most) is tough. I rarely notice an immediate response to any changes I make which makes it hard to optimize. The lack of haptic response to changes is one of the major critiques of catamarans by the most competitive and traditional sailors - cats often seen (and well suited to, honestly) cruising rather than speed. But on this boat in particular it feels almost impossible to judge the impact of trim. Trying things out and hoping to tune it in as the journey goes on.
Two visits by two large pods of dolphins today. Amazing. Dolphins blow my mind.
You can see them coming from a ways off, little black triangles bobbing in the water, headed straight for the boat. The boat is clearly their goal - you can see them swerve from another path in pursuit of the wake.
In a boat powered by the wind, with these wild creatures coming to spend a few minutes with us: it feels like utter joy. Not only in myself getting to witness it, but you can feel it in the dolphins themselves. They dodge and swerve close enough to the boat that they’re just barely missing the bow each time, they slap their tails hard to corkscrew in a big burst of motion, they sometimes move towards the outsides edges of the boat and jump clear out of the water and the waves. A pair of dolphins will swim together, dodging back and forth in complete synchronization and then they’ll split apart and form new pairs or triplets. Baby dolphins swim in the middle of the boat surrounded by the more experienced of the group and they come up for air more often. They’re beautiful and relaxed and playful and strong.
Photo courtesy of the wonderful Jan Passion.
More painting today, no sea sickness, and I’ve discovered that oranges kept in the fridge are an amazing treat on the water.
It’s really special to be here in the middle of an ocean. Feeling grateful for all the support, good friends, and the time to spare to experience something like this.
E
Sooo glad to hear that you’ve gotten a break from the sea sickness and can enjoy more of your time. I love your detailed expose on the dolphins - what a special ‘I’m on a boat in the middle of the ocean’ treat! Perhaps before long you will be painting the ocean and dolphins….. I can appreciate how nice it will be to get a small land break to grab more fresh food and ground yourself. Long ago I did an 18-day backpacking trip in the Escalante wilderness. with a small group,. Every ounce in our packs mattered. On that trip I celebrated my 20th birthday. One of my co-hikers packed in an orange and carried it the whol…
I wonder if the dolphins can see you?
I am so glad to hear your joy, to know you are feeling good. I hope the good weather and good winds continue. Cruising, rather than racing, sure sounds more fun:)