The Night of November 29-30, 2023

A Relaxing Night on the Aft Deck

The night leading into Thursday was once again calm and uneventful. The boat “Sea Dweller,” which had been following us for some time, remained behind us. The moon had significantly waned, and there were no signs of squalls or unusual weather events.

Our routine, however, changed slightly. Anna took her night watch on the aft deck, comfortably half-lying at our dining table due to back pain. It made much more sense, though she kept the portable cockpit visible on her iPad at all times. We still insisted that she go to the helm every 10 minutes for a full 360-degree view. Despite her back pain, this seemed to work well.

Despite being able to monitor the boat via AIS and radar on the iPad, we all feel safer when the night watch is done from the helm. Especially now, as we are slowly entering squall territory, frequent visual checks are essential. Technology is useful, but nothing replaces human vigilance and experience.

In retrospect, Anna found her night watch on the aft deck much more relaxing. The time seemed to pass faster, and she was more comfortable than on the hard chair at the helm.

So, the night passed quietly and without incident as the crew continued to traverse the vast Atlantic, preparing for the challenges ahead.

Heat, Mahi Mahi, and Ocean Waves

The weather changed today. The sky was dotted with large cloud formations, and the heat was intense. Wearing swimsuits was the best way to cope with the scorching sun. Thankfully, a refreshing breeze from the front made the heat more bearable. Plenty of sunscreen was, of course, a must.

Early in the morning, while I was still half asleep, there was an exciting surprise. A fish bit the line. Nicolas brought in an impressive Mahi Mahi. By the time I got to the aft deck, the spectacle was over, and dinner was secured. It seems Nicolas has really gotten the hang of fishing. A great success that will reward us with fresh sushi and sashimi.

The waves have grown larger, sometimes reaching heights of 4 to 5 meters. These long, rhythmic movements come from behind, causing the boat to rock smoothly: the wave lets the boat glide down the crest like a surfer, then it passes under, lifting the bow. Fortunately, none of us are prone to seasickness. Occasionally, Anna and I feel slight nausea and dizziness, but these symptoms are rare and quickly pass.

To combat this, we have our tried-and-true remedies in abundance. Water with fresh lemon or ginger acts prophylactically and helps prevent symptoms. If I do get nauseous, I slowly suck on lemon slices. This works wonders, and the nausea quickly subsides. We can safely do without seasickness patches or gum.

Additionally, we all take some vitamin supplements as a precaution to maintain our vitamin levels. We rely on our proven combination of Vitamin C and Vitamin K to keep us fit and healthy. Note: This does not replace our healthy and fresh diet on the boat but is an additional precaution.

In the evening, we enjoyed sushi and sashimi together. We had everything we needed—sushi rice, green seaweed sheets, and a colorful selection of fresh fish. Anna and I rolled sushi rolls diligently. It was great fun experimenting with different creations. Our absolute favorites are the maki rolls with avocado and black sesame. The preparation was a pleasure, but the eating was even better.

So, this day at sea continued with its ups and downs as we braved the challenges of the ocean and nature.

An Excursion into Our Onboard Medicine: How We Are Medically Equipped

Medical emergency preparedness was a crucial part of our preparations. This is essential for anyone who leaves behind the comforts of civilization for an extended period or travels to areas where modern medical facilities are not easily accessible. Therefore, we took comprehensive measures to be well-prepared for medical situations at sea.

Our preparations began with attending the classic offshore course at SEADOCS (seadocs.de). This course not only provided the theoretical basics but also included practical exercises for medical care at sea. Additionally, we purchased the necessary medical equipment from SEADOCS to act quickly and efficiently in case of need.

Our medical equipment includes a wide range of medications, from travel tablets to infusion solutions and painkillers like morphine. Unfortunately, we couldn’t convince our health insurance to cover these costs, but investing in our health is worth it.

In case of a serious medical emergency, we can arrange remote assistance. We have access to Starlink internet and a satellite phone, allowing us to contact rescue stations and specialized medical centers worldwide at any time. In Germany, for example, we can contact the MRCC Bremen (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre), which is available 24/7. The center’s phone number is clearly displayed at our navigation table and programmed into all our phones.

Typical medical emergencies at sea can include lacerations, crushed limbs, persistent seasickness with dehydration, or burns, such as when a rope slips through hands. Our onboard medicine is prepared for such emergencies to respond appropriately if needed. The safety of our family crew is our top priority, and we do everything we can to ensure we can act adequately in medical emergencies.

Culinary Delights Day 11

• Lunch: Carrot-sweet potato soup with coconut milk, roasted sunflower seeds, and spelt toast
• Dinner: Sushi and Sashimi variations from Mahi Mahi