ATLANTIC CROSSING - MY NIGHTMARES ARE COMING TRUE! EP-130

The journey began after months of preparation, we decided to leave on the largest ocean adventure of our lives. The Viking Rally from Canary Islands to Cape Verde was set to be shadowed across to Barbados. It was comforting knowing there’d be safety in numbers if something were to happen.

The forecast we faced didn’t promise easy sailing. Over the course of a few days, strong gusts reaching 30 to 40 knots and swells from 3 to 4 meters with squally weather lay in wait. It wasn’t the best time for us as beginners with just over two and a half years of sailing experience.

We spoke with our friends, Bri and Pat, who were part of the Viking Rally. They had a weather router who informed them that it would be foolish not to go, promising us strong yet manageable winds for a quick passage.

We Left Amidst Cheers From Friends

The morning of departure dawned with the support and well wishes from our friends in the anchorage who hailed us off. Our heart rates soared as we set sail, hoping to avoid heavy weather by staying south.

Riding The Waves

Sailing at an average of 7 to 8 knots, we felt invigorated and alive as we embraced the vastness of our voyage. It was exhilarating yet daunting knowing that this would be the longest leg of our Atlantic adventure.

The Dark Clouds Gather

We braced for change as conditions worsened. Swells began pushing us side-on and we felt vulnerable on the open sea. A sense of foreboding crept in, overshadowed by looming uncertainty.

Sinking Feeling

Navigating through turbulent waters and a relentless swell, water started to seep into the boat. It was every sailor’s worst nightmare; an unidentified source of infiltration causing concern for our vessel’s integrity.

Taking On The Chop

The autopilot stopped working mid-journey, throwing us into crisis mode. With no time for despair, we persevered through manual steering amidst ferocious winds and monstrous waves. We were tested and challenged, pushing ourselves to the limit.

Moments Of Doubt

The uncertainty of not knowing where the water was seeping from made our hearts sink. The strain and exhaustion of manual steering took its toll on both of us. But we held strong, pushing through with determination.

Adapting And Overcoming

In the face of adversity, we remained steadfast in our pursuit. We plugged leaks, reined in sails, and hand-steered our vessel through choppy waters. It was clear this voyage would be an epic chapter in our sailing story.

A Tale Of Perseverance

We have faced rough winds, big swells and scary moments that tested us at every turn. Yet through it all, our spirit remains unbroken.

Join us on the rest of our Atlantic adventure, as we tackle these challenges with a fearless mindset and an unwavering resolve to see it through until we reach the other side. Keep your eyes on the horizon, as this is just another day in paradise for two sailors who dare to dream.