Google review

First Day Back to Sea

Jan 22, 2025

Logbook

Furling going on in the rig

We started the morning watch with some sail setting. The light winds made for forgiving conditions as we acquainted ourselves with which lines to pull in which order to set the topsails. In the southwesterlies, we headed north, passing Smith Island to our starboard side. As the wind was light, we were able to keep on setting more sails. From the topsails, we moved to some staysails, the jibs, and the spanker. Finally, we set the fore course just in time for lunch.

A busy watch is always a good way to start the sleepy days, getting back into the routine of the watch system again.

Setting the main course

By evening, the wind veered round to a westerly, gradually dropping and forcing us to furl all the square sails we’d diligently set. To prevent the flapping of the staysails, we sheeted them in all the way. With the wind eventually turning to north-northwest, the square sails had been of little use.

Furling going on in the rig

However, the apparent wind of the staysails still allowed for some pressure to hold us from rolling – offering us all a better night's sleep and a happier galley team. The calm seas allowed all to get eagerly involved in the sail handling without a yellow bucket to hand. Although after a quiet Drake on the way south, many had their fingers crossed for a more intense sailing experience on the journey north.

Busy furling again on the topsails this time as the wind died