Day 4 — Out There

So finally the day has come! The morning dawned clear and bright, with hardly a breeze. But that was expected. The wind would fill in around 15:00, if the forecast was correct. In the meantime, there were some last minute chores, of course. The daily engine checks: oil, antifreeze, belt tension, etc.. Then top off the water tanks from the 6 jugs we carry on deck. Re-tie the jugs securely. Nothing too strenuous. Just the normal prep we do for an offshore run.

There was even time for some relaxation! I watched a bit of the Monaco Grand Prix, finished the truly awful book I'd been reading, which had been just good enough to make me believe it would get better soon. It never did. And then a nap.

This was intentional. We believe it's important to get enough rest when sailing, especially the first three days, while the body acclimates itself to the sea.

By 14:30, the wind had picked up to 8-10 knots - enough wind to sail gently. I set the mizzen sail — the smaller sail near the back of the boat — hauled up the anchor, and while Helena steered out of the anchorage, put up the mainsail. As soon as we cleared the harbor breakwater, we turned the engine off. This was to be a sailing adventure, not a motoring adventure! And besides, we needed to conserve out 100 gallons of fuel for when we really needed it.

We soon had Wanda, our silent third crew mate — our Aries wind vane — working. We pointed Petronella due East, and headed for the horizon, not neglecting a small, celebratory cocktail.

And now it is near midnight. The moon is out, the sky is clear, and all the shore lights have dropped away behind us. We are 'out there', and headed more 'out there.'

So far, so good.