Blue Moon - day 19 blog

Almost there. 600 miles to go. And then all of a sudden the trade winds decide to leave us and we’re in squall zone with wind coming from exactly where we need to go. The swell is huge, the waves as well. The crew is doing their best to navigate Blue Moon without banging it too hard on the waves.

“Never have I experienced something like this” said our skipper Thalita who already crossed the Atlantic 5 times before. It somehow reminds me of the North Sea sailing with our parents’ sailing boat. I’m used to these kind of waves and the banging of the boat. Though having these winds for 3 days in a row, and the boat heeling quite a lot, plus the extra ocean swell, it takes it’s toll on our mind and bodies. Especially for me. I haven’t slept well these last days, trying to not roll over my bed partner, trying to ease my brain activity which is always on alert mode. And suddenly a huge migraine hit me. I tried to get enough electrolytes and drink enough water, take pain killers, but nothing worked. My head felt like somebody was standing on it and I felt nausea as if wanting to puke my guts out. The only thing I could do was try to sleep. I skipped dinner and the whole crew was super supportive. Margo took over my watch with Lis and everyone made sure I could sleep through the night without needing to get up. It helped. The next morning I felt way better and so thankful to the whole crew for getting my back. As if she heard my prayers, the ocean decided it was enough banging for now and reduced the swell and the waves.

Because we’re entering a wind hole for the next few days! This means our arrival time will be pushed back but it also means we get a bit of rest again after some wavey days. Who knows we’ll be able to swim again?! One thing is for certain, we need to take care of ourselves and each other on this big blue ocean. Drink enough water, eat enough food, sleep enough throughout the day, be kind to ourselves, support each other. We’re almost there!

Sleepy hugs,
Katleen