LACHLAN

Mantra of the day: finding comfort in the chaos.

We’ve ridden a low. It felt like it wouldn’t end; we were on a downward trajectory that unravelled in front of us all the way to Australia. But we’re now on a different contour. A wallpaper of stars exposes unfamiliar constellations on the night shift of the 24th. Night skies always put matters into perspective.

What’s changed? The hull has been cleaned and the boat flows more freely. The wind and waves are calm, a gentle puff of breeze helping us on our way West. These external factors play a role, but they don’t define our experience out here. Today we are reminded that this definition comes from within this funny looking boat bobbing over the Pacific. Our perspective dictates our experience out here.

There will inevitably be hurdles to overcome in the remaining 7,000 Nautical Miles. Technical issues, salt sores, blisters, weather, etc. But we are slowly learning to expect the things to go wrong — nothing ever goes to plan. When things do go south, it’s no longer a disaster. It’s simply what we saw coming. In other words, we’re seeking to find comfort in the chaos.

Our first use of the musical instruments today as we headed due West for into a peaceful starlit evening on the Pacific.

Song of the day: Kinnoull, Barrule (the live version).