In the middle of a busy day in Academy Bay harbour in the Galapagos, we lifted our two anchors (bow and stern) and headed out to sea. We had said our farewells at the internet cafe, done our final provisioning and readied the boat in the morning, as well as saying farewell to all the water taxi drivers that we had come to know so well. Time of departure 2:42 p.m. Conditions were favourable - slightly cloudy, 25 degrees and about 14 knots of wind. As soon as we rounded the headland, we were able to set the sails - with a reefed main and a reefed jenny (meaning that we didn't use the full sails, as they weren't necessary). Our speed has averaged a perfect 7.5 - 8.5 knots. Shelby spied a couple of whales off in the distance - making for a great departure.
The sea was a little lumpy, and although Doug, Shelby and I all took some preventative sea sickness medication, I still managed to make my offering into the sea right around sun set.
We were unable to connect in last night, due to poor propogation, so that is why you didn't get this message then (also not sure that I could have managed to be belowdecks and writing this anyway).
Day Two, Wednesday, July 1st - HAPPY CANADA DAY
Peter took the first shift last night until we cleared the Islands and made our course change. We are now on the rhumb line (bearing 259) and have shaken out the reefs. This slight course change made for smoother seas, as we are now on a great reach doing about 8 knots. Peter has paid homage to the wind gods, as QuickStar is just humming along. It's pretty cool to see our position of 1 degree south - first time I've sailed in the Southern Hemisphere.
Shelby was up early with us this morning and she saw her first ever sunrise. She said "I've never been up early enough to see one before". Shelby and I then went on "squid" detail where we went around the boat and offloaded about 12 dead squids. Pretty gross, but I think she got a kick out of it. Everyone is feeling great and we are optimistic that on this bright, sunny day we will see some dolphins and whales.
Wishing everyone a terrific Canada Day.
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