Chapter 787 - 358: Crossing the Gulf Stream

Chapter 787: Chapter 358: Crossing the Gulf Stream

At seven o’clock in the morning, as the first golden rays of sunlight pierced through the sea’s thin mist, the dock at Fort Lauderdale was still immersed in tranquility.

Lin Yu’an, with his tactical backpack that seemed out of place in the luxurious surroundings, appeared punctually in front of the berth of "Polaris".

He did not immediately board the ship but stood quietly on the dock like a commander about to take over a position, his gaze calm as he examined the elegant and majestic white giant before him.

The secretive and emotionally stormy dinner last night had left no trace on his face. He was still the focused, composed Captain Lin Yu’an, ready to meet challenges.

The hatch opened, and Riven’s figure appeared on deck.

She had already changed into professional sailing gear, her tight-fitting sun-protective clothing outlining her powerful body curves.

Her shoulder-length short hair was slightly lifted by the sea breeze, making her look even more neat and spirited than before.

Seeing Lin Yu’an, her gaze faltered for a split second but quickly returned to normal; the habitual "Hey, monster" remained unsaid.

"Good morning, Captain." She just nodded, her voice calm and business-like.

"Good morning, First Mate." Lin Yu’an responded equally appropriately, as if the profound conversation and the embrace on last night’s beach had never happened.

A peculiar tacit understanding formed between them, an unspoken sense of distance.

Captain Mike was the last to come out from the cabin, holding a thick navigation logbook in his hand, his expression as solemn as if executing a military mission.

He glanced at his watch, then the sky and wind direction, finally locking his gaze on Lin Yu’an.

In an unprecedentedly serious tone, he said, "Captain Lin, Polaris has completed its pre-departure check; fuel and freshwater are fully stocked, and all navigation equipment is in good condition."

"Now, I officially hand over the command of this ship to you."

"Thank you, Captain Mike." Lin Yu’an accepted this heavy responsibility calmly, without hesitation.

He leapt onto the ship, placed his backpack on the salon sofa, and walked directly to the cockpit, placing his hands firmly on the wheel.

"Alright," he turned around to face his two crew members, "before we untie the ropes, let’s conduct the final briefing of the voyage plan."

He took out an iPad, connected it to the ship’s display, and the meticulously detailed voyage plan appeared once again before them.

This time, it wasn’t a drill but an impending combat order.

"Our total voyage will set off from Fort Lauderdale, traverse the entire Bahamas Islands, and reach Turks and Caicos Islands, covering over 1000 nautical miles in an estimated fifteen days."

His voice was steady and clear, echoing across the morning dock.

"According to the plan, we’ve divided the entire course into four main segments."

"The first segment: Fort Lauderdale to Nassau. This is our goal for the next 72 hours and the first test of our team’s coordination."

"The total distance is about 180 nautical miles; we’ll face night sailing and one of the most challenging natural obstacles of the entire voyage, the Gulf Stream."

"The second segment: Nassau to Georgetown. We’ll enter the Exuma Islands chain, switching from deep-sea cruising to island-hopping navigation."

"This will primarily test our nearshore navigation and water-reading skills."

"The third segment: Georgetown to Providenciales Island. It’s the longest stretch of blue-water sailing, keeping us away from land for three consecutive days."

"The potential risk is the tropical disturbance predicted in the weather models, for which we have backup plans A, B, and C for safe harbors."

"The fourth segment: Return. The specific route and timing will depend on the latest weather forecasts upon our arrival."

He closed the overview map and zoomed in on the first leg of the journey they were about to face.

"Now, for today’s mission," he pointed at the precisely calculated red route on the screen, "we will set off from here, heading north at a course of 335 for about two nautical miles, avoiding the nearshore shallow area. Then we’ll turn to a course of 095, officially beginning our crossing of the Gulf Stream."

"I’ve calculated the optimal crossing point here, expecting to reach the edge of the Great Bahama Bank before sunset. Does anyone have any questions?"

"No, Captain." Mike and Riven answered in unison, with a tone filled with the compliance of professional sailors.

"Very good." Lin Yu’an nodded, "Riven, you’re in charge of the bowline. Captain Mike, you’ll handle the stern line. Follow my command; we’re ready to set sail."

"Wait, Captain, there’s one last thing before we depart." Mike turned to Lin Yu’an, his expression becoming solemn. "In Fort Lauderdale, there’s an old tradition among sailors."

He turned back and walked into the cabin, and moments later, he emerged with a bottle of aged rum, its body even adorned with some dried salt stains from the years.

He unscrewed the rustic wooden stopper, and the rich aroma from the oak barrel instantly filled the air.

"Before every important voyage, to pray for the blessing of Sea God Poseidon, the captain needs to offer a small gift to the sea."

Riven, standing by, took the initiative to explain, "It’s a libation ceremony, an old sailors’ superstition, but we respect it."

"Rum is the blood of sailors. With our most precious things, we express reverence to the tempestuous sea, praying it will calm the waves and safeguard our journey."