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CWF Africa to the Americas

Day 1 – Launch & slow going

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The crew of the JRH disappear behind the swells. Next stop, Miami. (Credit: Erinn J Hale Photography)

Greg here at mission control — No direct contact with the crew as of yet since launch at 11:30GMT this morning. Per Erinn (photographer), the swells were fairly sizable today, which is to be expected based on recent wind data. Due to the new schedules, the rocking bout, and I’m guessing some great bouts of sea sickness, we’ll have a short wait until life at sea becomes real and we get to share it here.

If you’re following along at the boat position tracking map, you’ll see that it’s been pretty slow going thus far. Boat speed is generally between 2.5-3 knots, but so far it’s been around 1 knot (a gentle walker’s pace). As daylight approaches and the seas calm with the calming winds, things should pick up a bit. You can also count on more favorable conditions the farther you get from land.

Stay tuned for more photos and videos from launch, and to hear stories from the crew as they get their sea legs!