Atlantic Crossing – First Day

After much preparation, we sailed out of France the morning of Jan 30. The crowded harbor slowly disappeared behind us as we sailed into the vastness of the North Atlantic Ocean. A routed 10-day sail calls for us to clear the Bay of Biscay around the tip of Spain and head south (to warmer waters). Our destination is the island of Maderia off the coast of Morocco. That will serve as our forward launch point to sail straight West for 4-5 more weeks. If we do everything right, land should appear at the conclusion of the passage!

The watch shifts are currently 6hrs on / 6hrs off with staggered crew assignments to ensure there are 2 on each shift. As the voyage continues that will drop to single watch schedules of 3hrs on/ 9hrs off. The first day was exhilarating with fair winds and calm seas. Within hours a few dolphins appeared and played in our bow wake as if they were escorting us into the vastness that awaited. Later, a large pod of 20-30 dolphins welcomed us and played for 20mins. The sea is alive and welcomed Queen’s Dream. With sails full, the daylight faded into darkness. The evening was tranquil and surreal before the early morning sun awoke on the horizon, changing the watery landscape. This will be the same dance over-and-over again until we reach the stage #1 destination of Ft. Lauderdale. This is really happening …