Sudden change of plans!

It came a little without warning even if indicated at times. Jonathan has been feeling homesick for some time. He have indicated it before but this final sail really got him thinking further. He wants to go home and he wants to go home as soon as possible. So while writing this text. Jonathan have been off the boat for a couple of hours. It is a real shame as Jonathan has led with example of how to act on a boat, how to handle himself and the boat. Even though no previous experience and still not barely any negative things to say at all. Always staying positive. No matter what. More than the heat at occasions. But let us face it. It has been quite extreme at times. Sometimes I feel like the leak I'm looking for is most likely sweat from me and Jonathan. I will have to see if it will be reduced from now on... But I'm still here. Will be hard to check...

First day at Colon in France!

It has been a pure pleasure. I couldn't have asked for anyone better or any better crew to have joined for as long as 5 months that Jonathan stayed on the Boat. From the first day towards the channel islands where the arch with the wind generator almost flew off, to the bay of Biscay, the Doldrums in the Atlantic and the insane squalls. From knowing nothing more than what a boat is, to at any time knowing what should be done and how.

Jonathan stearing Colon towards next harbor!

A pure treasure for any one pirate...!

THANK YOU!

Jonathans one and only "fish"

But... To be fair. This also put me in a situations where I really don't know how to go on. If I would have been alone all the way. I would not have chosen the path to sail some of the most dangerous and tricky waters in the world. I would have most likely been sitting in the carribiean with most of the sailors we've already met and planning the trip towards Panama. But as we were two and could help eachother out. This would be fine, South is an option. We both wanted to see the orcas, the glaciers and what south america could offer. But now, I am also so far down south, as we've been working ourselves towards Argentina and Chile, That I am not even allowed to start traveling back north due to time restraints in Brazil. This could of course be applied for to prolong. But it is too late. Already checked. Should have been done almost at first entry to have a chance of getting 180days instead of 90. Then I could have possibly stayed sometime longer in Brazil. Slowly working myself towards the Carribean and been there for next season after spending some time in Suriname, Guyana, French Guyana and Trinidad/Tobago. Possibly even ABC's etc. etc. So this means that I am forced to continue south. Alone. Which is far, far, far from optimal. Doable of course. But far from Optimal. We are also a little (or alot!) behind on normal schedule to cross the horn. Meaning that stress will be involved. Which is not a good bed partner for sailing. At all.

It was a time when Jonathan was freezing at the boat...

Brazil has one more stop before departing Brazil. That is Rio grande du sur. About 350 nm south from here. There are no other stop on the way. But for this one I'm very lucky. Martin. Remember him now? (Kiel, last entry etc.!) No? Keep up will you...? He is still on the boat and will just about make it for his flight if he joins the final stretch. Which is great! That will really help as 350nm will take about 3 days....

But... Then the next step comes. From Rio grande du sur to Mar del plata in Argentina. It is about 450nm. Meaning about 4 days sailing alone. Getting closer and closer towards the roaring forties. Closer to stronger winds, Rougher seas and colder weather. This sail will be the real challenge (Yeah, I know. More to come... yada yada yada... but in the close foreseen future that is!). This would be the real, and hardest part what I can foresee until Ushuaia.

Memories...

Well in Mar del plata and Argentina. It looks like the coast is filled with possible anchorages and with a bit of luck (ehm.. read; Well done planning and no sudden moves!) day sailing, coverage for bad winds/seas etc. should be made possible. Much more possible than what the southern Brazil seem to offer. So I'm after all quite positive.

So that is my plan at the moment. Get help one more sail. Get ready for Argentina in Rio grande du sur and wait for good crossing window to Mar del plata. Have some soul searching alone during 4 days. Well in Mar del plata I continue south as smooth and secure possible towards Ushuaia (or possibly only Magellan strait, time will tell!).

Still need to take a look at Chile and how to manage towards the Archipilago over there. But one step at the time I figure!

Intresting times ahead indeed.

Time will tell. Keep you updated as I Go!

Over'n'out // Ludvig