Friday
1122 – Hauling down Fisher Island sound into Long Island sound, current against us, winds 20 plus and gusting, oh baby. Tightened main halyard, Jordi was sprayed, Steve keeping a strong course, blustery and seasonal weather, white caps, sofa cushions flying, ETA for NYC currently set for 8 AM tomorrow.

1636 – Watching the first sunset from the vessel…sweet!! Time to get dressed, aka put on 10 plus layers and wear ski goggles to prepare for what promises to be a chilly evening at sea. A quick team vote an hour ago confirmed 3 new members of team Audax Mr. Heater, “Auto”, and Dodger!

3 New Team Members

Saturday

0046 – Just finished up my 2 hour helm shift slicing a course down Long Island Sound through flukey, gusty and most definitely fun wind patterns! For the first time it felt like I was sailing the boat, adjusting course for lifts and headers, trimming the sails, boat accelerating and decelerating. With both sails furled we continue to steam ahead at times close to 6.5 knots with the lights of NYC fast approaching. Hooked up the digital thermometer, 33.3 outside, 52.0 inside, snug as 3 bugs in a boat.

Some philosophical questions I have been asking myself as of late: What is the reason for this journey? The purpose of life? What is time? A society that is so focused on maximizing it only to squeeze more things out of it? (Answers in the comment section always welcome!) Ok…time to go make some tea for Jordi at the wheel and myself here at the nav station as Steve sleeps soundly working our 3 man rotation schedule - 2 hours on, 4 hours off.

1636 TIME TO GET GOING!! So after a tentative plan that leaned toward staying in the tri state area for a couple of days due to weather, a recent update and group decision has resulted in the following course of action.. go go go. The weather window is sort of there (Sweet weather link for all interested) so what this means is shoot the Jersey Coast tomorrow, mom don’t worry, I will be wearing a life jacket and harness. The winds and wave report call for light breeze and swell out of the southwest prior to increasing on Monday afternoon. It’s 125 NM and at an average speed of 5 knots we should be to Cape May by daybreak Monday. Time to go for the gusto.

A spectacular day here in NYC, read about it and get the best pictures at Steve’s site as time and tide wait for no man, preparations need to be done, courses charted and friends to say hello to! See you all on the flip side…