March 29th Our first night at sea was a bit bumpy in places but we all survived. Our Capitan has estimated a three to three and a half day sail to the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands so we will have time to get used to our new watch schedule. As is normal for ships at sea, Fede has divided us into three groups and we rotate our watch every four hours. Eight A.M to noon, noon to four P.M., four P.M. until eight P.M. then eight P.M. to midnight, midnight to four A.M. and finally four A.M. to eight A.M.
This morning found us under sail with quartering winds blowing fifteen to twenty-five knots. With this breeze we’ve been able to average close to seven knots per hour.
Hand steering this sixty-six foot vessel is almost an art form. At times you think the boat has a mind of its own and over compensating can get you into trouble.
When daylight greeted the watch this morning they were surprised to find about fifteen hitch hiking Cattle Egrets standing on the fore deck. These migrating wading birds are capable of long flights and have successfully spread themselves around the globe in the temperate to tropical seas but it is peculiar to discover them this far south touching wingtips with the likes of the amazing Wandering Albatross. At last count, only two of the egrets remain aboard and we can only wish good luck to their fellow travelers.
Eager eyes spotted a Sei Whale busting through the short wind chop just after breakfast and a couple of Fur Seals passed us on their way back to shore. But viewing is a little difficult and short lived as we cruise along bouncing from crest to trough. Black-browed Albatross are the order of the day though and it is not difficult to gaze out and see twenty at any of the cardinal directions. They own the wind and use it to cover large tracks of the sea’s surface in search of food. There must be plenty of groceries about based on the numbers we enjoy gliding along with us.
Since we won’t have much to keep our readers informed about until we arrive at the Malvinas we will offer our next blog at that time. Until then, may the power of the Albatross be with you all.
Amelia
