Day 11.

Current location: Halfway across the Atlantic Ocean 17°58′53″ N  38°11′28″ V

The wind conditions have maintained and has left us all a bit drained. However it feels as if we are getting used to this normal new life of too much wind and waves. We adjusted our shifts to be shorter at night and allow for several people on deck when the wind and waves are particularly bad. Olle’s sales pitch of that crossing the Atlantic is just a “little trip cross the pond” in nice trade winds with smooth long waves has not been accurate in the least. This type of ocean reminds me more of all of those times growing up we’d sail in the Mediterranean and my mom would merrily compare the large waves to apple trees approaching from the aft. A way of calming us kids to not feel scared of peeking up on water rather than down on it. Both me and Olle have sailed in waters like this before, and although neither of us particularly enjoy it we feel safe in our ability to maneuver the boat and what weather that is dangerous and what that is not. For those who haven’t sailed in an ocean filled with apple tree heights of waves chasing from behind the rocking and the squeaking of the boat is a new experience. I overheard Nisse and Mikael agreeing that we are sailing in a downward slope toward the Caribbean, because every time they look aft a big wave is there.

But to be honest it’s not so much the magnitude of the wind and the waves that occupy our minds right now. It’s what it represents. Another boat suffered a man over board a couple of days ago and the person has not been found. It is there unrealistic to think he will be found at this point.  It’s difficult to describe the feeling of emptiness one feels when looking out on the water knowing that one of us is out there alone. The ocean can be both beautiful and terrifying. Today our Swedish flag is half hoisted in honor of the family and friends, the crew of Ocean Beeeze and the soul that has been lost. Our thoughts are with you. / Much love, Linda