The Night of November 23-24, 2023

Silence, Stars, and Safe Night Watches

On our fifth night at sea, we were fortunate to be accompanied by calm seas and stable weather. The wind blew steadily at a speed of about 10-12 knots, once again providing ideal conditions for sailing with our Wingaker. The waves were the usual rhythmic Atlantic waves, allowing the boat to glide smoothly through the water.

A special feature of this night was the presence of another boat named “Emily” very close to us. We noticed that “Emily” often sailed without lights and AIS signals. Sometimes it was visible on AIS, sometimes not. Sometimes we saw its light, then again not. In the darkness at sea, this can be quite dangerous. Moreover, the boat did not respond to our radio calls, which worried us. Only in the morning did “Emily” finally respond, and we were able to clarify the situation.

The night also offered a breathtaking sky. The stars were wonderfully visible, and the moon shone as brightly as a second sun. When I took over the watch at 3 AM, I made myself comfortable at the helm and simply enjoyed the view. At 4:30 AM, the moon seemed to set on the horizon. However, it turned out that it had only disappeared behind clouds. Suddenly, it was pitch-dark around me, which was absolutely magical. 

Nicolas slept in the salon and continues to prove himself as a highly reliable crew member. At 5:55 AM, he was already on deck, ready to take over the watch. His punctuality and commitment are impressive, making him an indispensable part of our team on whom we can always rely.

How Do Our Night Watches Work?

The organization of our night watches is an important part of our sailing journey and ensures the safety of everyone on board. Each of us has three-hour shifts, and there are clear rules to follow:

1. No one leaves the protected area of the dodger, even in emergencies.
2. Life jackets are worn at all times, regardless of current weather conditions.
3. To minimize the risk of falling asleep, we set a 10-minute timer that repeats. This wakes us up if we do fall asleep and also serves to regularly check course, wind, weather, and surroundings.
4. The logbook records all relevant information deemed important by the captain. If any of these parameters get out of control, the captain is to be woken to make further decisions.
5. Red light is used at all times to ensure good visibility in the dark, as white light would impair night vision.
6. The handover of the night watches is based on logbook entries, which contain all relevant information. This clear communication and teamwork are crucial to ensure that the boat sails smoothly at night and that all challenges are met.

During the night watches, we have all developed our own habits. My children like to pass the time with downloaded Netflix movies or podcasts, as there is no available data volume on board. Personally, I prefer to listen to audiobooks or simply enjoy the silence of the night. I find that movies distract me and limit my attention.

Day 5 at Sea

Fisherman’s Luck and Bucket Bad Luck 

In the world of sailing, even the smallest things on board often have special names. One example is the “Pütz,” essentially a reinforced bucket with a rope attached. It is an indispensable tool, especially for those who enjoy fishing.

Unfortunately, we lost our Pütz today while Nicolas was trying to optimize his fishing techniques. While we were sailing at a speed of about 6.7 knots, the Pütz decided to chart its own course and went overboard. Nicolas even briefly considered jumping after it to save it. Fortunately, he quickly thought better of it, as that would have been extremely risky at that speed. An unnecessary maneuver that we thankfully avoided.

The Full Moon Fishing Theory 

For a few days, we have all been wondering why, after Nicolas’ initial fishing successes, the line has remained empty. We had expected to catch plenty of fish on the way, but so far, the big catch has eluded us.

Nicolas did some extensive research and discussed it with friends, arriving at a possible conclusion: the full moon! Yes, the full moon may shine romantically in the sky, but it can be a real challenge when it comes to fishing. It is believed that fish are less active during full moon nights, making it harder to lure them into biting. A scientifically unconfirmed, yet fascinating theory that might explain our fishing luck.

Another Day in Paradise 

Despite the fishing woes, we experienced another wonderful day at sea. Peter, our multi-talented crew member, set up the sunshade and transformed the foredeck into a true relaxation paradise. The sun was shining, the sky was cloudless, and we enjoyed lounging on the foredeck, listening to the waves, and feeling the wind in the sails.

Speaking of relaxation: Peter followed my example today and showed that even “tough captains” can practice yoga on board. Our yoga mat is great for use on the aft deck. In the harbor or at anchor, the foredeck is suitable for yoga, but while sailing, it’s too unstable due to the boat’s constant movement.

Culinary Delights Day 5

• Lunch: Fried rice with peas and fresh herbs
• Dinner: Antipasti, followed by baked potato with guacamole and various vegetable toppings

Despite some challenges and a small bucket tragedy, we are enjoying our journey. We are excited about what the coming days have in store for us and look forward to keeping you updated.

Until next time!