Sporty Sailing on an Offshore Passage | Sailing Sitka Ep 119

Exploring the Sea of Cortez with Sailing Sitka

After two days at sea, the crew of Sailing Sitka crossed from Los Moros on the Baja side of Mexico to La Paz on the mainland. Along for this journey was old friend and salty sailor, Warren.The Journey BeginsAlthough the weather had been somewhat inconsistent over the past few days, on their third morning at sea, they awoke to a significant amount of wind that required adjusting the sails.Adjusting for ConditionsThe crew faced some windy conditions which resulted in them having to put up reefs in their sails to stabilize Sitka in response. It is crucial that Sailors adjust for changing conditions to ensure safety while on the open ocean.Dealing With Uncomfortable ConditionsAt 5:30 a.m. Jay and Kenna woke up to unexpectedly strong winds that had come out of nowhere, but after assessing the conditions they were in, the couple made adjustments as necessary, reefing their main sail and reducing the sail area on board.Reflections of Their LifestyleSometimes the windy conditions that Sailors like Jay and Kenna have to endure can leave them questioning their life choices. They find beauty in the places sailing takes them, even during difficult moments.The Crew and Their GoalsAlthough it may be challenging at times, these experiences help Kenna stay inspired by their journey. Having come from Alberta, Canada where such a lifestyle is non-existent, she is learning to embrace the adventures of sailing around the world.Facing Fears and Chasing DreamsThrough their travels, Jay and Kenna aim to inspire others to pursue their dreams. By overcoming fears such as facing challenging weather conditions on the open ocean, they want viewers to understand that with enough determination and perseverance, it is possible to achieve what one desires.Encounters with DolphinsThe winds lessened momentarily and some dolphins came up alongside the vessel, providing a brief respite from the stressful sailing conditions. It is moments like these that remind Jay and Kenna of just how beautiful their journey truly is.The Final PushAs they neared their destination, they had a good speed under sail with an average wind speed around 6-7 knots. Their determination and perseverance were rewarded with favorable sailing conditions near the end of this passage.Anchoring Up for the NightThough they were approaching their destination, it was late in the evening. Warren took a much-needed nap as Jay completed some tasks below deck. The crew found solace and an efficient solution to storing waste when at sea by utilizing a built-in fiberglass locker on the stern of Sitka.The Finishing TouchesA big marlin had been caught during this passage, which they were excited to enjoy as dinner. This added a celebratory mood and sense of accomplishment after an adventurous sail.Reflections of the JourneyAs Warren enjoyed his final watch, he was full of joy at the prospect of completing this passage and spending time on Sitka. This message is one of gratitude for friends who have joined them along the way and offered guidance.Closing Thoughts from Sailing SitkaThe crew expressed their appreciation for their viewers’ support and reminded them to subscribe, like, and spread the word about their journey. With each episode of Sailing Sitka, the couple strives to inspire others through sharing the highs and lows of sailing across the Sea of Cortez.