Beaufort To Bermuda | Day 2

Common Minke Whale in the distance

Yesterday was a sportier sail, so it was not easy to perform everyday tasks. Things like cooking dinner or taking showers require you to be more deliberate and agile. We sailed all night at a good clip until the winds finally died around 6 am this morning, so we began motorsailing around 6:30 am.

Sailing involves a lot of problem-solving, and today’s weather has presented a bit of an equation we have been trying to solve for the last few hours. We could choose to sail. This option would mean sailing slowly and significantly increasing the mileage we have to cover. Or we could choose to motorsail until the winds fill in and clock around to a better angle, which would enable us to get to Bermuda before a weather front comes through on late Friday. We would much prefer to sail, but with all the variables at play, we chose to stay the course and motorsail until a few moments ago. So now we are once again, under sail power alone, albeit at 3kts

It has been a pretty quiet day. With light wind and no seas, the day’s excitement has been taking showers, working on a few small projects, and trying to get in a little writing. We also put out a fishing line, hoping maybe to catch dinner. So far, we have not caught anything. Historically, we have not been very successful fisherpeople. But, with a line in the water, there is always a chance.

There is not much to see when you are out in the middle of the ocean. Every now and then, you get a little more than just a vast expanse of blue. Today, we saw a pod of five or six whales—we think they were Common Minke Whales. We have also seen countless Portuguese Man O’ War. And one cargo ship. It is the first vessel we have seen in about 36 hours.

If you let yourself think about it, it feels weird to know how alone you are out here, but there is also something about it that is incredibly peaceful.

Last night’s dinner had to be simple due to the sporty conditions. We had sheet pan gnocchi with roasted tomatoes. But today’s seas allow for a few more options. Tonight’s menu is Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowls with a Lemon Tahini Dressing.

All is well.

Day Two Stats
Nautical Miles Sailed In The Last 24 Hours 134nm

Average Boat Speed 5.5 kts

Max Boat Speed 7.1kts

GPS Coordinates as of 5 pm 33 37.832N 71 13.326W

Miles to go: 365nm

Peep me wedged in, and the stove swung out while making dinner last night.