Crossing the Sea (350NM) Pt. 1 | Sailing Sitka Ep 118

Welcome aboard for another thrilling episode of Sailing Sitka! In this instalment, we’re diving deep into our unforgettable journey across 350 nautical miles of open sea from Los Morros to La Cruz, Mexico. Join us as we share every detail of our harrowing and exhilarating voyage.

The Prelude to Adventure

As dawn broke on what promised to be a momentous day, we were ready to set sail. Our vessel was primed for the task ahead, and with the anticipation of an offshore adventure just beginning, our spirits were high. Little did we know that this passage would not only test our mettle but also introduce us to unexpected challenges.

The Challenges of Offshore Sailing

In the initial stages of our journey, we were greeted with what seemed like a lacklustre amount of wind. This led us to re-evaluate our tactics and made us contemplate whether we had truly calculated for every eventuality in our voyage planning. Despite this minor hiccup, we pushed on, ready for whatever the open ocean could throw at us.

The Unexpected Allies

Among the surprises of this trip was our unexpected companions – birds. Not just any birds, but those carrying precious gifts for us in the form of solar power augmentation. These feathered friends would surely be remembered not only for their bird music but also for enhancing our ability to navigate with power.

The Catch of the Day

As luck would have it, the fish were not only plentiful but also eager to play with us. We caught skipjacks, which became not just part of our daily diet, but a symbol of the abundant life we’d find on this journey.

The Crew and Sitka

No voyage is complete without the crew who make it possible, and our special guest Warren added immeasurable value to this expedition. His presence brought not only another set of skills but a depth of camaraderie that made the journey infinitely more rewarding.

Navigating Through

Sailors know that adjusting sails is a daily ritual, especially when it comes to offshore sailing. Whether it was reefing in the main or adjusting the genoa, every adjustment helped maintain our desired speed and course.

The Unpredictability of Nature

Avoiding complacency was key as nature showed us that her whim can quickly change. What began as a flat calm gave way to wind once again, and we were reminded that even when it’s least expected, the ocean will reveal her full potential.

A Successful Crossing

Day turned to night and night to day as we made progress toward La Cruz. With each sunset, we adjusted our course and strategy according to the conditions. Our endurance was tested, but it was the unwavering spirit of teamwork that got us through.

The Arrival

In the end, we arrived at La Cruz to celebrate not just a successful crossing but the camaraderie and lessons learned. This passage would not only go down in our sailing journals but forever etch itself into our memories.

A Lesson for Future Voyagers

This crossing offered a wealth of insights for future sailors. It’s these stories and experiences that help us grow and improve our seafaring abilities. So, stay tuned as we continue this incredible journey across the Pacific in our quest to explore everywhere the sea touches.

To all who’ve supported us along the way, a heartfelt thank you. And to everyone tuning in – join us next week as we complete our third leg of this crossing and finally arrive on the mainland of Mexico!