Low pressure system

14 January 2025

Low pressure system

We have followed our low pressure system for as long as possible, sailing in a beautiful arc. It has been a great sail with some impressive speeds. However, it has been a detour, and this morning it was time to tack and slowly sail out of the system. We need to start heading east soon.

The expectation is that the wind will gradually decrease, and that by tomorrow morning, we will need to start the engine to get through a calm area and finally reach the high pressure system. However, the wind is already dying down rapidly, and it is uncertain whether we will have enough wind through the night to keep the sails full.

But it has been a beautiful sail over the past few days! Between the rain showers, we made the most of the sunshine. Sunscreen and shorts have been used frequently. We had made our way so far north that we no longer saw albatrosses, but instead, we spotted gannets (boobies), and Nathan was even ‘attacked’ by a flying fish! He was sitting at the stern when suddenly a flying fish hit him in the head. We definitely didn’t see that coming!

The wind gradually became more consistent, and the showers brought less and less wind. Little by little, we started easing out the reefs and putting up more sail.

Last night, we had a beautiful view of the ISS passing by, and we continue to enjoy the starry skies. The atmosphere on board is very good. The light tension that was present at the start of the journey has now given way to a sense of resignation. Everyone has adapted to the ship’s rhythm, doing their shifts and spending their free time reading or occasionally playing cards with others.

For now, we hope the wind will hold so we can continue sailing through the night. Tomorrow morning, we’ll know if we succeeded…