12/9/24 Day 10

Sitting watch this morning at 0430, I was amazed at just how hot it still was. Even 10 hours after sunset, the cabin was a sweltering 25 degrees and dictated keeping fans on to keep cool. Up to now, I have been wearing long sleeve shirts at night as things would reliably cool off after about 10 at night. We’re in better weather today than we were yesterday, which although forecasted, is much appreciated. Average speeds are moderate, with waves propelling us forward just as much as the wind almost dead downwind, and we’re on track for another 156-miler today.

12/10/24 Day 11

Our code zero headsail made an appearance for the first time in many months. With the forecase of high and unpredictable winds, we opted for a safer, more controlled option than our spinnaker in case a squall hits us. Since our spinnaker gets doused by pulling a sock down from the top, that task easily becomes unmanageable if there is too strong of wind filling it. Contrarily, our code zero furls by wrapping it within itself, which effectively gradually dumps the air out of it, making taking it down quickly in the event of a sudden squall a better choice. Despite my best efforts no fish were caught today, although I did hook what I believe was a small wahoo for the quick glimpse I saw of it before coming unhooked.

12/11/24 Day 12

You can probably recall me wishing for more wind earlier, but I’m not sure I meant this. Today has definitely been the wildest day on board Stardust, as we’ve spent most of the day navigating a completely unforecasted storm system bringing winds in excess of 40 knots. Despite sailing with six reefs, three in the main and three in the jib, we still managed to surf at 23.6 knots (a new boat speed record!) and maintain an average speed in the high eights. It’s been raining a lot, too, which means being cooped up inside the saloon with the doors shut while we bounce around. Sleep is harder to come by with the constant feeling of being lifted off my bed by a crashing wave, and the extra mental tax of keeping an obsessive watch on the wind speeds and directions means exhaustion is the reality for the foreseeable future.

12/12/24 Day 13

Lumpy seas and high wind remain the theme for another day across the Atlantic. Although safe and fast, crew morale has taken a moderate hit as sleep deprivation has really started to set in, and everyone could use a smooth sea and manageable wind to catch up on much needed rest. Besides, rough and uncomfortable conditions suck away every last ounce of ambition and will-to-get-anything-done-ness. For me, that means no photos, no videos, no editing of either, and certainly not any physical task such as sail changes for optimum performance.

12/13/24 Day 14

We’re closing today on what just might be the best day sailing of this passage. Although not the fastest overall, much of today was spent reaching straight for Barbados, with a strong breeze and small seas that lent a wonderful floating sensation and boat speeds comfortably in the tens. No squalls hit us all day, and no emergency reefs made because of the wind. Early afternoon was spent sailing under our golden-yellow gennaker, before opting to switch to jib for cause of slightly increasing wind. Fishing activities have not yet resumed, although I stay hopeful for our last few days at sea as we plan on arriving Monday before dark with only 415 miles to go!