It’s Lively Out Here

Some sailors understate the sea conditions, whether it be from an optimistic temperament or a desire to avoid causing worry. Such sailors use the word “lively” a lot. Most sailors, however, are not like that. In fact, Mel has become used to doing a correction calculation in her head when she hears sailors talk about wind and weather, similar to the calculation she uses when asking how much alcohol one drinks. This correction factor varies by the years of helming experience of the sailor, how long ago the voyage was, and how many sailors are in their company when they tell the sea story. Basically, here’s what you do with
a sailor who has crossed one or fewer oceans, sharing a tale from five years ago, in the company of five other sailors: divide everything by two. Sailor math!

Boat stuff: it’s lively out here! We are motor sailing with just the jib to improve weather helm. Winds have been hanging out at 22 kn apparent at 150° for a while, although sometimes they go as high as 30 or as low as 12. Waves are typically 6 to 8 feet every 4 to 6 seconds, although once in a while, Mel swears there is a 10 to 12 foot roller swinging by. Jumbled. Last night, a couple of squalls pushed the downwind apparent wind speed up to 40, scaring the shit out of Mel. ( In her defense, most women don’t really like anything having to do with the word “40s“. )

Mel will leave it up to you to apply your own correction calculation to those numbers. However, it might help to know that Mel and Greg did alternating two hour watches overnight, nursing George, their persnickety auto pilot.

Where is all this drama? Jerry is currently crossing the Gulf Stream on Day 1 of his journey to Bermuda. We are crossing in favorable conditions, for the Gulf Stream. Do not mistake the words “favorable conditions“ for light to moderate winds and small waves. All “favorable conditions“ mean when you are talking about crossing the Gulf Stream is that you won’t die.

Why Mel, was that some sailory hyperbole there? You are becoming a sailor again!

Right now, Mel is writing fan mail to the makers of the Pepperidge Farm Ginger-men and contemplating whether or not it is possible to put Chapstick on your entire face. She is also trying to get photos of what AI says is a dark-eyed Junko that has perched on her boat. The game is afoot! Where will we discover this tiny bird’s dead body tomorrow?