After months of preparation, we finally set off on our first major sail, departing La Rochelle, France, and heading across the Bay of Biscay to Gijon, Spain. The route spans 260 nautical miles, and we estimated the journey would take approximately 44 hours, traveling between 5 and 7 knots.
Our excitement was palpable as we took off, but it quickly turned to frustration when the main halyard line failed as we tried to hoist the main sail. This mishap forced us to return to the marina in La Rochelle for repairs. After a 650 Euro investment in a new main halyard and messenger line, the rigging was fixed, thanks to Evan’s expertise. Doug even bravely ascended the mast in the bosun chair to thread the new line, an impressive feat given his fear of heights. Finally, with everything in order, we set off once again, ready to embrace our nearly two-day adventure at sea.
After that, we had an uneventful day at sea. The seas made for a rocky trip, with 4-5 foot swells. A delicious meal of salmon enjoyed by all, and as the day came to a close, we were treated to a glorious sunset, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
We survived our first overnight sailing by taking 4-hour shifts at the helm. There was an eerie feeling to sailing through the dark, with no land or other boats in sight—just the vast, inky expanse of the ocean surrounding us. Despite the unsettling isolation, the night sky was magnificent. The stars were more visible than we had ever seen, twinkling brilliantly against the black canvas. The Milky Way stretched across the sky, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of our planet and our adventure.
