Asylum - Day 14

This is our 14th day at sea and we are at the point in the journey where "are we there yet?" is a common thought.Much like driving home from a long road trip when about 60 miles away it seems like the car actually decelerates and the last miles feel like a crawl all the way home. We still have at least 250 miles to go, but feels like we should be there by now.The days, since our last post 10 days ago, have been much the same routine.We have been able to make good headway until the last couple of days when the wind has been lighter, but the seas more comfortable.On Sunday the 30th, we rehoisted our parasailor after we had patched a rip from the previous day.That did not prove to be a good move on our part.She was flying well, but within an hour, the stress on the patches proved to be too. read more...

Asylum - Asylum Report Day 3

There is always excitement at the beginning of any sailing race--some jockeying for position to be the first at the start, others trying to stay out of the way.The ARC+ rally start is no different other than it is not a race, but the excitement is palpable as 50 boats made their way to cross the start of leg 2 to St. Lucia.Asylum crossed about 2 minutes after the start and followed the leaders into the sunset.We hoisted the Parasailor as we attempted to get some speed between the islands.It was so calm that we took our chairs to the bow to watch the boats and take photos.We thought if this was the "milk run" than we'd be relaxing the whole way! Well, it only takes time and wind to dispell that thought.The winds piped up after a beautiful sunset and we opted to take the Parasailor down. read more...

Asylum - Double-handers at Sea

Thane and I have been enjoying the work and pace of life at sea.We attend to clean-up details in the morning after night watch and dawn and take care of any other items that need attention.Then, time to read!Next, make lunch or dinner and clean up.Sleep when tired. It's a rigorous schedule.On Monday, we put up our Parasailor sail for the first time.The sail is similar to a colorful spinnaker but has a parachute "wing" towards the top which aids in the sail maximizing the wind.The sail requires four lines to be led back to the cockpit, so it takes all of our brain power to work through the logistics.To our delight, our time on the bow was accompanied by 30 or more dolphins jumping and racing with the boat.We have enjoyed our dolphin sightings before, but, on Monday, this group stayed with. read more...

Asylum - Rock and Roll

Rock and Roll on Asylum took on a new meaning last night as we sailledthrough the "accelleration zone" of increased wind along the side of Gran Canaria and south of the island. It was quite a ride, surfing and falling off the side of cresting waves. No real injury to bodies or property, so all is good after 26 hours...but lots of issues with balance!. read more...

Asylum - Arrived, left, and about to arrive again

The sailing vessel ASYLUM was one of the early arrivers at Las Palmas, arriving August 14th in the wee morning hours (see photo) with (l to r) crew Emmy and Paul, owners Thane and Brenda Paulsen.   Three of us left for home in the United States in August to work. Paul has been faithfully "boat watching" ever since.  Brenda and I are about to board a flight back to the Canaries from South Dakota USA and look forward to meeting many of our ARC+ fellow sailors. We are one of a half dozen "double hander" boats this year and this is our first ocean crossing. After all of his hard work prepping our boat, Paul will return to the UK next week.  unnamed. read more...