Crew News
osición 07º 55,2’N – 027º 22,8′ W
Heading 215º – Speed 8 knots
Wind 16 knots from the northeast
Paula, Allende los Mares
“How different is this crossing in which the wind increases during the day and subsides at night, unlike when sailing to the Caribbean. Waiting for the southern cross to guide us, we lost the polar last night.
Here sailing, you think better. We are already beginning with the preparations, at least trying to organize ourselves for what will be our challenge this year, to reach Antarctica. At the moment they are just exciting conversations that we will share with you later.
The tripu recounts the previous days.
(PILI). Hello tod@s, there is less left to get to America! Joy! We have caught tuna and it awaits us at the table of the Copernicus Doubloon ;p. We are having a very good journey and we will not be at the equator (do you know where it is?). Best of all, the team that makes up the crew, who with work, enthusiasm, curiosity and motivation to learn and undertake new challenges, we know that we will come to fruition. Optimism and positivity accompany us along the way! A big hug and see you soon! THE MOON SMILES AT TOD@S ;)”
Javier Lahoz
“After a 24-hour landfall in Cape Verde, on February 8 at night we resumed the march. We took advantage of the stop in Mindelo to replenish groceries, do a laundry, general cleaning and also to try the local food and go jogging with Kike and Paula through some very peculiar hills.
The exit from the archipelago was quiet, with some traffic; a tugboat, a merchant, a fishing boat. It helps us to review the signaling in night navigation. Between islands there is enough wind to sail at 7-8 knots, but as soon as we move away, as expected, it drops to 4-5′, just enough to keep the boat moving and it is finally time to try the spinnaker. The lifting maneuver is new and somewhat complex, so we wait until daylight to do it.
Security is strictly followed. At night we do not go out on deck without vests and we do guards in pairs. If it is not essential we do not leave the bathtubs until the sun rises.
In the morning we take out of the bow tambucho the sock that keeps the impressive 240 m2 of rag, in white blue and red stripes. We managed to hoist it in a reasonable time and the boat glides again at a cruising speed of +/- 7′.
As we approach the equator the winds subside, the wave decreases and the temperature rises. It is no longer necessary to wear long sleeves at night and navigation becomes very bearable. The atmosphere on the boat is very good, and we have time and tranquility to devote to other activities, such as fishing.
After several amagos, with the master Caño a la caña, he chopped a tuna of about 5 kg, which we froze 48h and last night was our dinner. The cooks on duty and Leo prepared it in 3 tastings: tiradito, ceviche and baked. Lucky and luxurious, to bring a chef specializing in Peruvian cuisine on board. Thanks Leo!
We are less than a week away from making landfall again. Today we downloaded the weather forecast with the satellite phone (Iridium). We fight to try to take South off the course and thus avoid going straight to the calm.
We are halfway through this adventure and every day is still different and amazing. The darkness at night is spectacular. After a few days away, the moon has finally arrived, which is growing and smiles because it will stop being a liar. In the crescent quarter it no longer has a “D” shape as in higher latitudes, but a “U”, although it already leans towards “C” as in lower latitudes, where it does tell the truth.
The constellations are easily recognizable and some stars are disappearing from the new perspective that we have every day of the sky. The pole star has come so close to the horizon that the haze no longer lets us see it, and we hope to be able to see the southern cross in return. The dusks are brutal, the sun gives way to the moon between the reddish reflections of the clouds with nothing more to the horizon than miles and miles of sea. And the sunrises are the prize for those who do the 6 am watch, a different team every day (we decided to keep UTC, the use of the meteo, so each day it gets dark a little later in our relative schedule)
To family and friends: we can receive messages by Iridium at no cost, and we read them individually (any response to this post we will not be able to see until we reach land)
Salty Greetings
Javier”
Javier del Caño
“Hello to my family and friends!
I am really enjoying my passion, the sea, the experience is wonderful.
I am delighted with the crew and of course with Pedro and Paula, who lead the expedition with great skill and confidence.
I receive your messages honeyI miss you very much! A huge kiss
Lots of
kisses and hugs”
kisses and hugs”
@kikeserrano
“It is a real privilege to be part of the crew of the Copernicus Doblon in the first phase of its journey to Antarctica. It is a challenge in terms of setting navigation objectives, resource planning, optimal route, weather forecasting, maneuvers in the operation, communications and leadership and management of a team of 8 people in the crew who have to live in a small space of 40 square meters for at least 20 days, in conditions of reduced comfort, and continuous crossing without stopping. In addition, unforeseen events arise in the méteo that make modify plans, and continuous repairs in the boat because the wind and the sea strongly influence the operation of all the apparatus.
A firm organization in groups of do with 24×7 guard shifts guarantee the crossing and the operation. Leadership is shared, strategic decisions are made in a consensual manner and complex maneuvers are carried out working all under the same objective, always being led by the person who has more knowledge in it, even if it is not the captain. On the other hand, it is required that all the crew have a global knowledge of the entire operation and navigation, although later they end up having more dedication in their specialization. That makes everyone understand each member’s work and have the option to choose tasks as long as they add value after their learning period.
Pedro’s energy, intuition, experience and character make things much easier and Paula puts the point of reasoning and good sense to him. Perfect balance, by the way, we are right in the middle of the ocean. I don’t think there’s anyone around for many miles according to the radar. In fact, no one at all. The closest thing is the satellite we have on top!”
And so far the news of the crew, we hope you liked it.
Joy Sailors!!
