The Spinnaker Is Appeased

This post is short. Jerry’s crew hoisted the spinnaker again and it was…uneventful. This immediately raised Mel’s hackles, the same way one fills with dread when a previously talkative, excitable friend is suddenly quiet for long periods. This good behavior is underscoring that, compared to our previous two long offshores, this one will be remembered for what didn’t happen. Thus far, there have been no major electrical or engine failures, the rig and sailing hardware are intact, and we have not had to heave-to! While it is true we are sailing in 2-3 m waves in 20 kts of true wind, so far it is downwind — which produces an experience much like the last bit of a roller coaster ride. You go through some small drops, but you know for sure it could be so much worse.

It isn’t over until it’s over, and so Mel has offered the spinnaker falcon the first signs of life we’ve had besides the sargassum: flying fish. Hopefully it will be enough to appease Ol’ Crackles and fend off drama a little while longer, as we need to douse him soon.

If you are able to access our Facebook page, you can see my second offering to the spinnaker: a flattering video in good light! (Once Jerry reaches Panama, Mel will figure out how to most easily integrate her videos into her blog.)

We should arrive in Panama tomorrow, with one last hurdle: having to pass through an area of competing wind and current, in the dark, which means a bumpy ride.

“The captain announces turbulence ahead. Please buckle up. We will be landing in Panama shortly.”

Mel will get through it by playing, for the 15th time, her catchy Panama song during her midnight watch:

“Come on, keep flying
Hai, mai zboară”

Boat stuff: With the spinnaker we are making 8-10 knots in 13-15 kts of apparent wind at around 145 degrees. Most waves are around 6 ft with the occasional 8 ft roller from the back quarter, when we can surf up to 10 kts.

Dinner last night: Reheated frozen chicken broccoli rice casserole. Some of the rice was crunchy. Tip: Put in crushed Ritz crackers, and no one can tell!

Entertainment: Learning how to make a video. Ugh.