ARC day 12: All is quiet....Or is it?

Not So, Stay Vigilant!

This evening, I started to write today’s blog post with the title “Finally, a Nice Boring Day.” We had a lovely sunny day with clear skies, steady winds, and no unexpected surprises. We remained on our port tack, sailing steadily SSW.

But as soon as darkness fell, the radar began picking up squalls. It was time to reef the main and swap out the gennaker for the jib.

Once a squall passed and the radar and sky cleared, we reversed the process, resetting the sails to maximize speed while maintaining safety. We repeated this cycle as many times as necessary to keep the boat moving efficiently and safely. Tonight, we ended up doing this five times! The good news is that we’re getting much better and faster at reefing.

Here’s an example of what a squall looks like on radar as it approaches. They pop up quickly. For instance, Byron handed the watch over to me at 3:00 a.m. His handover report was: “Clear skies, nothing on radar, no other boats.” Yet within an hour, this popped up:

Thar she blows:

The Weather Whisperers

Timour and Sylvie are incredibly skilled at reading the “weather tea leaves” and have been a tremendous help in keeping us well-prepared for whatever comes our way.

Calm Seas, But Not A Time For Complacency

Conditions have been remarkably calm for the past ten days. I’ve been calling it “flat calm,” though in reality, there’s a steady two-meter swell. The boat handles it beautifully on this downwind point of sail, and it’s easy to forget just how dynamic the ocean can be.

However, I constantly remind the less experienced sailors that calm seas are not a reason for complacency. The boat still has vulnerable spots where standing or moving carelessly can lead to serious trouble. For example:

• In the Salon: Standing at the bar with your back to the stairs leading to the hull is a risky position. One of the crew learned this the hard way—don’t worry, they’ll gladly recount the story when we’re safely on shore.

• In the Galley: Always use the pot holders.

• Steps Leading to the Deck: This is another trouble spot. Standing on the steps or at the deck near the steps puts you at the rear of the boat with a high center of gravity. The “catapult effect” here is no joke, especially if the boat suddenly pitches or rolls.

• Viewing Spots: Unfortunately, these risky positions often have the best views, and it’s tempting to channel your inner Kate Winslet. But anyone attempting a Titanic moment is quickly reminded of the risks and chased off.

Sailing on a flat lake:

Calm Conditions—What’s the Fuss, Andrew?

From a distance, it might seem like we’re cruising on a small lake. The seas look serene, and the swell seems gentle. “Don’t worry, be happy,” you might think. But out here, even in calm conditions, vigilance is key, and staying mindful of your movements is the best way to keep the adventure fun and safe. Here are a few reports from other boats in the fleet operating in the same conditions as we are: