24,000 Miles

We are finally in The Azores. I thought the passage would feel long, but it did not because it came right after the forty-two day journey from South Georgia. This passage was ten days, but my mind is not centered on that fact. It is centered on a milestone that happened on day nine: the odometer number clicked over to 24,000 nautical miles. According to Daddy, the average American drives 12,000 miles in a year. We have been on Sila for less than two years and 24,000 miles have passed under her sturdy hull. In twenty months, we have sailed farther than the average American drives in two years, a personal achievement I am really proud of.

This was no one man accomplishment, however. This was a team effort; one where we all contributed. Things would be different if any one of us were not here. Daddy and Mama are willing to learn as they go and stick with it. Many new hardships and challenges crop up in our path. Rather than trying to go around it or abandon the experience, Mama and Daddy figure out what to do and persevere. For example, when the genoa furler broke on this last passage, Daddy figured out how we could still use it instead of just rolling it up and sailing with the staysail alone. When we were in the channels in Chile or around South Georgia and had very windy conditions, Mama was ready to do whatever needed doing such as being at the helm, going forward to reef the main sail, or roll in the headsails as needed. Porter encourages me to learn more. I would not necessarily be interested in going to a history museum, but Porter makes me want to go because his excitement is contagious. I think it is difficult to name how you contribute to a team yourself, but I do think that I bring music to Sila. I am always ready to spin tunes or lead a dance party in the cockpit, which can be very uplifting for everyone. Mama tells me that I am also willing to help whenever I am needed most. 

Me steering during a squall as we approach the Azores

Porter shaking a reef in the mainsail

Rounding Cape Horn in December- a good representation of all that we have accomplished as a team

All together, our contributions have made it possible for us to sail 24,000 miles in good style. I was surprised by how much this milestone moved me. I am curious to see how I react to the next big milestone that we accomplish together as a team. -Jack Rabbit

Ed. Note: After 10 days and 10 hours, we arrived in Horta, on the island of Faial in the Azores. We are now secure in the marina and will be here, enjoying the opportunity to explore this place for the next couple of weeks.