Being on the open ocean compares to nothing else. We left yesterday at 2010 after only spending 48 hours in port. Much to the credit of Alwoplast and the multi-talented Roni and Sven, everything was ship shape in a very short time.
We left our mooring at Higeurillas Yacht Club to sail in 15-20 knots of SW winds. Nothing could have been more perfect. The voyage to Puerta Ayora, Galapagos from there is 2180 nm. So far we are reveling in the starry night and sunny day this first 24 hours. Sven is a natural sailor and I cannot begin to imagine how it must feel to be flying along at 10-12 knots in the boat he worked everyday to create.
Rita prepared fresh beautiful salad, queso empanadas and I made some veggie fried rice. As always, roughing it on the Atlantic 57s. We are all so inspired by the machine we are sailing and its ability to move so swiftly while still providing a comfortable passage and most importantly, a relaxing dinner environment.
It is 1040 on Wednesday and our position is 31 S, 72 47 W. I am still thinking about how the night converges with the day and silvery tones reveal the seas that pushed, crashed and rolled us along on our way to Galapagos. In the darkest hours of the night, the sounds and sensations of the wind and water are amplified as the visual perception of the equation disappears. It is somehow soothing not to see the immensity of these offshore swells, yet mysterious when one sense is deprived.
It takes a day or two for everyone to fall into the rhythm of passage making. I, on the other hand, am exhilarated by the sea and all it offers to us. Last night I had the most amazing dreams of Nokotas playing in our field and taking long walks with Leif and Tonka. Imagine that!
I miss you all and will write again soon.
D
Captain Dale 
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