Hello from 2 degrees N latitude—we are so close to the equator.
We finally got calming seas yesterday morning and as the day went on it became clear how far our nerves had been shot from five days straight of being beaten up by the big seas. Under suggestion from our dear friend and sailing mentor Peter who has circumnavigated the world with his wife Margie, we switched to three hour watches to help get our sleep banks back up. It has helped a lot in a short time, as have the calmer seas with wind which has made for much smoother sailing. A clear night last night with the Milky Way in full view along with beautiful views of the Southern Cross constellation doesn’t hurt either! We have come so far.
Calmer seas are better for the sea life too — yesterday after a hectic night, we cleaned up over 30 flying fish and squid (the two together now known affectionately as “squish”) from the decks. This morning we only had a nightly tally of 3 squish, rest their soul.
A huge thanks to Peter for his tireless daily support of us along this crossing—thanks doesn’t even begin to cover our gratitude and appreciation for his phone calls, emails, and texts of guidance, optimism and knowledge sharing.
Now in this equatorial region, we will face lighter winds and areas with no winds where we’ll need to motor. We are approaching what is called the ITCZ or intertropical convergence zone and some areas may have storm cells to watch out for. So a new challenge awaits!
We are over two-thirds there mileage wise and are ready to go from being polliwogs, which are sailors who have never crossed the Equator, to shellbacks, sailors who have! I guess I have to put that bottle of bubbly in the fridge—we’re ready to give some to the sea gods and goddesses too.
OMG Venus! And also cheers to you both, you shellbacks! I’m so curious now… what is the history of polligwogs and shellbacks?! Calm seas, starry nights, and an easy final third of this passage to you both and Horizon!
Welcome to Imperium Neptuni Regis Stephanie and Connor! I hope your quieter, less icky, life on your deck continues!
Wow to you two! What an adventure!
Shellbacks and less squish! 💜🌈🤗
CHEERS to both!
You both have earned smoother waters, more sleep, champagne and then some! Celebrating two shellbacks ⛵️🐳🍾
Congrats on making it so far! Oh, squish. I had no idea! Love the image of you viewing the Milky Way from Horizon in smoother, warmer waters. 🙂
Squish was a new one for us too lol! We’re getting so close 🙂 I cannot WAIT to jump in the water when we’re anchored.
Hi Steph & Connor,
I was wondering what was hectic last night ( or 3 nights ago)? I was wondering if you could call us soon? When are you getting there? I hope that we can visit you sometime soon. I am watching a show called Survivor and the water there looks beautiful. Will you send dad some pictures when you get there?
Love,
Calla
Calla! It was SO good to talk to you yesterday and I will definitely send and post photos when we get there. We hope to make landfall sometime later this week — it’s going to feel SO GOOD! Only 400 nautical miles to go…and we’ve already traveled over 2,400 miles!
Reading Slocum’s book about his circumnavigation aboard Spray. It’s been funny to see him crossing the same neck of the woods that you’re headed into. Safe sailing!
Oooh we both have loved that book! It’s wild to imagine doing it without any electronics, and in a small boat too!
SHELLBACKS! Cheers to this huge milestone, friends – how cool are you?! I’ll be toasting you both and pouring some out for the sea goddesses and the squish imminently. Sending so much love.💗
Thank you friend! A toast to you doing hard things too xoxoxoxo