Crossing to the Canaries

Yesterday we arrived in the Canaries. The Canaries are a group of Spanish islands off the coast of Africa. We got here by sailing 600 nautical miles. We left from the southern coast of Spain. Six hundred nautical miles is really far. We sailed five days straight without even stopping. Also, those five days included sailing over night. This is a big deal because that is the farthest we have gone off shore. We could not see land for four days! It is also really cool because I have never traveled so far on a boat in one shot.

Also, I got to stand watch for a whole hour each day. That means I made sure Sila was steering right and was okay. I did this when Mama and Daddy were sleeping. When I was not on watch, there were some waves that were 15 feet high! Also, the wind was strong the whole time.

Daddy sleeping while I was on watch

I am not on watch in this picture, but I am steering Sila.

A typical day went like this: I wake up and go into the cockpit while Daddy finishes his watch. Porter and I have a simple breakfast like muesli or bread and cheese. Then Mama wakes up and we listen to a bit of music and then have the big meal of the day. Towards the end of the day, I go on watch then we have dinner. Before I go to bed, I sit under the stars talking with Mama, who is on watch. Then I go to bed. The next day is basically the same.

This is me and Mama dancing and singing while Porter watches and Daddy takes pictures.

Porter and I spent a lot of time just talking and laughing in the cockpit

The thing about living under way is that you are always holding on to things, Also you can’t put your IPod on the table, it will slide. And I have to hold on to my bowl at lunch or dinner because the food will go everywhere if I don't. It really changes the way you live. I am looking forward to the next big passage but I don't know why because it was kind of boring.  –Jack Rabbit