#8. FALKEN | Tahiti to Hawaii | LIFE ON A HEEL

Saturday, June 21, 2025 | Life on a heel

Day 2 of life on a heel and the crew are getting more used to it. The sea state (or the helming?) has improved and the amount of times you get body slammed whilst trying to sleep has reduced, making it much more tolerable. However, I speak on behalf of all the staff when I say cooking at this angle sucks an incredible amount, and watch handovers between us usually involves some grumbling about upwind sailing.

Moaning aside, it is lovely. We’re sitting comfortably at 8-10 knots, and what have been termed ‘happy’ clouds (fluffy and white), are the only things that occasionally block our night time views of the Milky Way. With the Southern Cross behind us, and Polaris directly on the bow- we’re also fairly confident we’re going in the right direction. All things going smoothly we should be reaching Oahu some time on Sunday afternoon. Glums and glows today was characterised by an appreciation of savouring the limited time we have left at sea, only 1 more sunset now! As always, there is an excitement about nearing land after a longer passage. Orie’s vivid description of a beef burger he once had (with accompanying photos), seems to have fuelled several crew members dreams of them. A crisp apple and long, hot showers have been mentioned with longing more than once.
It can be quite easy to wish away the last bit of time at sea with those creature comforts to look forward to. I’m pleased to report that is not the case with this crew, and the day has been filled with smiles, punctuated by cackles from the helm as they send a particularly soggy wave over the cockpit.
373 miles to go!

- Mary | FALKEN Mate

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