GIRL single-hands for FIRST time, SAIL 1000 miles Puerto Rico to Florida [ep 2]

Embarking on a solo sailing journey from Puerto Rico to Florida, Lauren, living aboard her Beneteau with her kitten Mako, experiences the thrill of single-handing for the first time in episode 2 of her adventure series. Navigating through six to eight-foot seas and hitting speeds of up to 12 knots, Lauren finds herself immersed in the beauty and challenges of life on the open ocean. Join her as she shares the highs and lows of her incredible sailing experience, from night shifts filled with dolphin sightings to rough seas and breathtaking sunrises. Follow along as Lauren pursues her dream of a sustainable life at sea, one nautical mile at a time.

Setting Sail from Puerto Rico

After departing from Puerto Rico around 1pm, we set sail towards our destination, fully immersing ourselves in the ocean life. With the engine turned off, we sailed around the southwest side of Puerto Rico before heading towards the west side, enjoying the six to eight foot seas behind us. I had an absolute blast relaxing, reading my book, working out, and basking in the joy of sailing on my own boat for the first time. The thrill of surfing the waves and testing the speed of my boat (reaching up to 12 knots!) kept a smile on my face throughout the journey.

During my night shift, I witnessed dolphins swimming alongside the boat, marking a special moment as we crossed from Puerto Rico to the DR. As morning broke, I awoke to the beauty of the sunrise, grateful I didn’t have the first night shift. The rough seas tested our abilities as we faced 20 to 30-foot waves and heavy winds, keeping us on edge but exhilarated. By the end of the second day, as the winds and waves calmed down, we were able to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings before continuing our journey.

Enjoy the adventure with us as we navigate the open waters, face challenges, and revel in the beauty of the ocean around us. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me as I embark on this exciting and fulfilling journey. Thank you for being a part of this incredible experience as we set sail from Puerto Rico towards new horizons.

First-Time Solo Sailing Experience

My heart swelled with excitement as I left Puerto Rico behind, setting sail for the first time on my own boat. The feeling of freedom and independence was intoxicating as the engine was turned off, and I embraced the waves with open arms. With six to eight-foot seas guiding me along, the sense of adventure and thrill was palpable, and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. The sensation of surfing the waves and pushing my boat to its limits was exhilarating, reaching speeds of up to 12 knots in moments of sheer bliss.

As the sun set on the first day of my solo sailing journey, the magic of the ocean nighttime unfolded before me. Taking on the night shift, I navigated through the darkness, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. The sight of dolphins dancing in the moonlit waters filled me with awe and gratitude, marking a moment of pure connection with the vast expanse of the sea. Despite the challenges and the exhaustion that came with the night, the first light of dawn brought a renewed sense of purpose and joy to continue onwards into the unknown horizon.

Navigating Through Challenging Weather

The journey through challenging weather began as we departed from Puerto Rico, setting sail with six to eight foot seas behind us. Riding the waves, we turned off the engine and headed towards the southwest side of the island before making our way to the west side, enjoying the thrill of surfing the waves and reaching speeds of up to 12 knots. As the sun set, the adventure continued, with smiles on our faces and a sense of excitement filling the air.

During the night shift, we encountered 20 to 30-foot waves and 20 to 25 knots of wind, requiring us to heavily reef the sails for safety. Despite the challenging conditions, the morning brought a sense of relief as the sun rose, revealing a calmer sea. By evening, the wind and waves had subsided, allowing us to reflect on the day’s journey and appreciate the beauty of the ocean. Embracing the unpredictable nature of the sea, we continued to navigate through the changing weather, grateful for the opportunity to experience the joys and challenges of life at sea.

Adapting to Night Shifts and Rough Seas

As we set sail from Puerto Rico, the initial excitement and joy of being out on the water quickly set in. The swells were high, but as we surfed the waves, the thrill of the adventure was palpable. With the sun setting, the six to eight-foot seas rolling behind us, and the wind in our sails, the sense of freedom and independence was overwhelming. I took my first night shift, watching over the boat as we rounded the corner of Puerto Rico, and the sight of dolphins at 2 am only added to the magic of the experience.

The rough seas and strong winds on the first night made for a challenging journey. While I enjoyed the adrenaline rush of surfing the waves, my partner faced the brunt of the rough conditions below deck. Sleep was scarce, but the sunrise brought a sense of calm and beauty that made it all worthwhile. As the winds and waves subsided by the evening of the second day, the relief and serenity that washed over us were a welcome change from the tumultuous night before. The adaptability required to navigate the night shifts and rough seas was a test, but the sense of accomplishment and connection to the ocean made it all worth it.

To Conclude

As we come to the end of this blog post reflecting on the incredible journey described in the YouTube video “GIRL single-hands for FIRST time, SAIL 1000 miles Puerto Rico to Florida [ep 2]”, we can’t help but feel inspired by Lauren’s adventurous spirit and determination to live a sustainable life on the ocean. The experience of single-handing for the first time and navigating through challenging conditions is a true testament to her passion for the sea.

We hope you enjoyed following along with Lauren and Mako on their journey from Puerto Rico to Florida. Their story is a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of life at sea. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more exciting adventures ahead. Remember, no matter the challenges you face, keep sailing towards your dreams with unwavering determination. Bon voyage!