Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence

On passage from Bermuda to the Azores, we had a very pleasant surprise. The winds were strong and consistent, carrying us along at a steady 5-6 knots all day and all night. At night, this speed provided yet another splendor.

The wave action of the bow wave as well as waves breaking around is glow with the light of billions of tiny dynoflagela. These little bacteriums are responsible for the bioluminescence in the oceans waters and they can turn an ordinary night watch into a psychedelic light show!

Night watch may seem rather dull and pointless when out in the middle of the ocean where the last boat you saw was three days ago; but when every wave lights up in a mystic green hue, night watch becomes something to look forward to!