The first time I crossed a sea

Crossing the North Sea between Marstrand (Sweden) and Orkney (Scotland): Check!

Ryan and I had no offshore sailing experience. Now, I do! Last week, I crossed the North Sea with Andy and Mia from 59 North Sailing on Isbjörn... and without Ryan :)Andy and Mia offer crew space on their boat, Isbjörn, a beautiful Swan 48. A couple of months ago, they happened to have an open bunk between Marstrand and Orkney, and I took the opportunity to get some offshore sailing experience before our own adventure.We all met in Marstrand, on the West Coast of Sweden. On the first day, I woke up way too early, and had to sneak out to the galley to get myself a snack while everyone onboard was asleep. I was even too early for the shower!We then set sail in waves that made Ben really seasick. I made a little fun of Ben while he was passed out in the cockpit, and paid the price. Just a moment later, I was myself agonizing all the way to Denmark, where we ended up that day.We waited out some weather, hit the reset button and set sails to Orkney on day 3. I used some seasickness patches and made sure I was well prepared for all conditions.Fortunately, the rest of the passage went much easier, but the 3 first days were exhausting. We spent them alternating between being on watch and sleeping, and I got to see some of the prettiest sunrises and sunsets of my life.I took my first night-watch ever, from 00.00AM to 4AM. We rocked 8 knots all the way in the dark. I was a bit scared at first, but being so prepared, geared up and in good company made me relaxed and enjoy the experience.After 3 days at sea, we took a dip in a 9 degrees cold North Sea. Bucket list check! That same day, we saw dolphins.The winds shifted to the aft of the boat on the next day, and I walked up the bow to go rig a boom preventer in the waves. I got back to the cockpit a little wet :)At 2.30 AM that night, I got woken up by the sound of the engine, and we landfall in Orkney at 4AM.Memories for a lifetime!!!