Messages Home from the Atlantic Snow Globe

The crew are getting lyrical, maybe it is the sea air, maybe the night sky, maybe the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean has opened their creative minds, either way here are some lovely messages home and once again you have to marvel at the technology we take for granted being able to keep folks in contact so easily.

Day 4 Blog 11/01/2018

One of the most fascinating parts of the Deep Sea Challenge for me is always, slowly discovering what motivates the crew to sign up for such a trip and how they gradually adapt and overcome the challenges of life on an ocean passage.

A third of my watch had succumbed to sea sickness during the first two days of the voyage however I have been delighted not only with the speed of their recovery but also with the help and support they received from their fellow watch members.

The first few days of this trip have been very enjoyable for me, the combination of a good crew, fair winds and crisp new sails have made for some great sailing.

Unfortunately our fair winds have dropped, leaving our blue circle to the horizon rather benign; this and small patches of white cloud have lead our lyrical Irishman Tony to declare, it’s like being in a giant snow globe.
This analogy seems even more apt at night with the stunning night sky and numerous shooting stars (I personally witnessed the most impressive meteor streak I have ever seen last night).

Challenger 2 approaching Sargasso Sea. Full of weed the Sargasso Sea…

So while we motor gently into the night and wait for the giant Monty Python style hand to reach down and shake our snow globe (we are expecting stronger wind shortly), we can contemplate what a privilege it is to be out here or in the words of the late great Master Mariner, Existentialist and Vagabond of the Sea, Bernard Moitessier:

“We are citizens of the most beautiful nation on earth, whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without boarders, where life is lived in the present. In this limitless nation, this nation of wind, light and peace, there is no ruler besides the sea.”

Lots of love to my girl’s, family and loved ones across the globe and at home, see you soon. X
Nick
Mate, Challenger 2

Not a lot more you can add to the above!

The trip so far has been more than I could have hope for
Love to all at home and happy birthday Bob
Chris T

Hi Sarah, Kirsty & Harry

We are gradually making our way to Horta. The winds are not too favourable at the moment, but we persevere. All the crew are settling in well with lots of characters amongst them.

You know a year ago I sat here trying to write my first blog and wondering what the hell can I write to you especially after some of the previous messages from some of the other guys.

Now another year and voyage on and I’m gibbering again. Isn’t a phone call so easy? What I will say is I love and hope you are all well. Kirsty, keep working on your new business plan and Harry keep ours alive. Mum love you and keep looking up at the stars.
Steve W/L

Hey Lesley, Kids and the rest of the family.

We were told to expect a roller coaster of emotions, and so far that has been true, for me the first couple of day were tough trying to slow down to boat speed, but now I’ve adjusted to the watches and had some great food cooked in interesting conditions, I seemed to have mellowed, sleeping well, and enjoying myself.

One thing quite a few people have commented on so far are the downright weird dreams everyone seems to be having, must be all the sun and fresh air, I’m putting it down to fresh air poisoning, and we are almost living a healthy life, just missing the cheese and biscuits and a glass of port in the evening.

A couple of people have just spotted a whale and got everyone on watch all excited, but it’s not returned yet, we have yet to see a great deal of wildlife.

I’m getting plenty of time to make plans for the next big adventure. Will it be sailing or something else? I guess it’s gonna be a case of seeing where this ride takes me, and there are plenty of people on the boat to come up with crazy suggestions.

Budgie

Have your own Atlantic Adventure

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Posted by: First Class Sailing