Day 5: Crossing from MX to FP

Woke up after a great night’s sleep of calm Code 0 sailing at only 2-4 knots overnight.  We hit our 500 miles overnight and celebrated this morning by opening our 500-mile treat bag titled “Out of the Wash Machine.”  Listened to the song “I Would Walk 500 Miles” but changed to “I Would Sail 500 Miles” for fun. 

Seas calm and we put our beautiful asymmetrical spinnaker out.  We are sailing along slowly, just at the edge of the dead calm region, hoping to continue picking up winds greater than 8 knots ideally for this sail.  Breakfast burritos made by Emil were super delicious.  Planning to do some schoolwork today in the calm, maybe even get a sun shower!  Calder cleaned off our solar panels from a booby bird that hung out there during the night, helps in collecting battery power.

We dipped our toes in the ocean off the stern, delightful temperature.  We’ve been reading, practicing French, doing art projects, cleaning the boat, preparing food, eating food, playing guitar, and just chillin today. 

We’ve slowly gained wind throughout the day, up to 10 knots of wind with a lovely sail with our asymmetrical.  More tuna poke for lunch.

A massive container ship popped up on our AIS, showing our paths intercepting.  We reached out and confirmed that he did indeed see us and that he was passing in front of us.  It was a bit tight, so Calder and I took down the asym for ten minutes to slow down before popping it out again.

Calder set up his handline and got it fishing – his first catch on it…another shark!

Dinner was Italian chicken noodles (using my Instapot out here works well).  Overnight, we did a mix of very SLOOOOOOWWWWW sailing and some motoring.  Calder spent his watch rescuing wildlife – first, a flying fish flew up into the boat, which he picked up and released to sea.  Next, a small bird was confused by our lights and flew into our cockpit; he cradled the bird and helped it fly back to its friend who was circling the boat.

Total miles over the last 24 hours:  97.2 nm (shortest day yet)

Average speed in last 24 hours: 4.1 knots (slowest day yet)

Total miles of trip so far:  604.2 nm