Everyone knows that boats are expensive. We also know that you can never get something of great quality, quickly and cheap. What we can do is work as far in advance as possible. We can predict through data, guessing, and the old crystal ball that mechanical items and consumables will need to be replaced by a certain date and maybe they will only last 3 months instead of 6 months, but by completing preventative replacements we can avoid breakages or poor feedback.

One thing that became increasingly apparent when we added ICEBEAR to the program was the need to have consistency in management between both boats. Previously I had done everything myself on ISBJORN with regards to maintaining the ship for service, but suddenly I couldn’t be in two places at once. When we added FALKEN to the fleet, we realized early on in the refit that having a single person who’s only job is the maintenance of the boats was not a luxury but a necessity. Enter our Chief Bosun Adam Browne.

Greenland has always been a dream for the two of us, it was a bit bittersweet that I was not onboard for the passage but this summer was not the time to bring the family along! One day I am excited to sail there on SPICA or even FALKEN and share the beauty of the places that only a boat can take you to with Axel. 

To stay sane, we all have ways of managing the chaos. This morning made me realise that I manage the chaos by finding a sense of the world I used earlier — ‘home’ — wherever I am, even if just for a day. Whilst the surroundings change: the environment, the weather, the people, the culture, I try to sink into consistency: Routine makes me feel safe; connecting with my surroundings grounds me; familiarity and friendship inspire me; rituals are comforting.

When the start of a passage is this close, the skipper’s mind is constantly on the weather. With the regular passage making that we usually do, the big question is when to go. Studying the weather models and trying to find the perfect time to set off — when the wind, tide and visibility will be most favorable. But with offshore racing, all of that has already been decided for us.

Ahoy shipmates! Andy here, at the helm for the first Logbook entry. So what’s up at Mission Control? I’m deep into the back-end work at 59º North, knocking out Quarterdeck content with Nikki, recording podcasts for the current On the Wind season (we’re coming up on episode 400!), sorting out boring finance and tax-related stuff, and planning FALKEN’s 2025 calendar.