Posted by Steve Dashew (via UUPlus) (July 3, 2009)
Hard Beating In the Arctic
We’re 83 nautical miles from our way point outside of Hornesund. The light northeasterly breeze and calm seas have given way to a robust NW breeze of 20 knots. Waves are short and steep, albeit warm. Water temperature is an amazing 46.4F (8C).
In honor of being almost there a hearty breakfast has been consumed(spicy sausage, eggs with salsa, pineapple and kiwi fruit).
Last “night” – it is bright at 0130 – we saw a sail on the horizon and diverted course to check. Got some nice photos of a J-Boat beating with its high modulus main and jib. This is the first sailboat we’ve seen at sea since leaving California 15,000 miles ago. They looked beautiful, but cold.
We’ve been enjoying the abundance of bird life and the dolphin shows. The dolphins delight in doing aileron rolls. They must know there are two acro pilots in the audience.
7/3/2009 7:14 AM (UTC) position 75
