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Adagio - Over the Bounding Main



Well, whatever it means exactly, we are bounding a bit.
Starting day 5 of the journey. Nearly 700 miles down and 1,140 to go. Adagio is performing well and making good speed for a cruising rig. We aren't pressing her too hard and appreciate some time in eased rides when we can get them. The weather, which has been "spirited" is starting to ease up on us and the choppy waves seem to be settling down in to predictable swells, even if they are a bit larger than yesterday's. It's making for a smoother ride overall, and a welcome change.

Last night we waited as the winds gradually clocked around and eventually made the gibe to the north. The winds have stayed steady and provide plenty of power negating the need for engine propulsion. I believe this is the longest single leg that we've ever taken Adagio on without turning on the motor. Even if you factor in the fuel used for the battery-charging generator, it still works out to some amazing miles-per-gallon! Indeed, a clean wake and a green sport is what we'd hoped for.

Rising above the swells, we can see a cargo ship some 8 miles away, steaming at twice our speed and heading to an unknown port (we spied one going to New Orleans a couple of days ago). When we are down in the troughs, we look UP at the cresting waves and wonder how wet this one will be, but Adagio just rides uo and over and settles back into her groove. Of course, there's always got to be "that" wave and sure enough the ocean humbled us a bit with a slap of water putting a few inches into the cockpit and soaking down a couple of crew. The collective gasp of "oh man, that was cold!" followed by laughter and wonder at "where the heck did THAT one come from?" Yeah. it's just the ocean doing what it does best; making its own rules.

After showering off the salt water Robin served up the best comfort food imaginable; a chicken pot pie and mashed potatoes. Yep, this is tough duty!

Everyone's healthy aboard, a couple of obligatory boat-bruises from moving about a pitching vessel and a couple of broken nails are the extent of any hazardous injuries or emergencies. We're following pretty strict safety protocol in the rough weather and taking as much risk out of the equation as possible.

Adventure or ordeal, it's all in your attitude! (tips hat to Bob Bitchin :)

Best wishes from the crew!!

Gary
Adagio

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