1340 UTC DEC 11 2013
POSITION: 15*47.0'N 41*17.8'W
Yee haw.. finally we have got wind. Yesterday afternoon the winds built to a solid F6 (22-27 knots) and we have been ripping along 6-7 knots on a broad reach for 18 hours. Daily run was over 156nm, back to normal. Looks to be steady winds for at least a few day s more if not all the way to Antigua. We will pass halfway of the passage distance tomorrow but it is likely more than halfway time wise already (1,187 nm to go at about 150nm per day will be 8 more days. Immediately after posting two days ago, we had a glorious mid-Atlantic swim in 3,000+ m deep dead calm sea. it was a bit eerie to think about while one is swimming. After an hour or more of swimming the winds started and we have been sailing steadily ever since - so great to be humming along. Small school of Tuna spent much of yesterday afternoon surfing our bow wave - Porter and Jack had them turning to look at lures but no takers (always another day in the hunt for fresh sushi). Last night was our first night on this passage of strong wind sailing. At dark we put one reef in the main and another in the wee hours of the night as it piped up to F7 for several hours on Mary's night watch (4am-8am). - Christopher
Thus far, this passage has been totally different from the ones to the Canaries and the Cape Verdes. Having a third adult in general is transformative in the sense that both Christopher and I are able to get a lot more sleep and are also able to enjoy a little more time together in the cockpit. Having the third adult be Mary Barnes is all the better as she adds a wonderful dimension in the way she thinks about sailing, her art projects with the boys (yesterday they worked with clay for over two hours in the cockpit), and many engaging conversations. This passage has also been more benign thus far with much calmer seas and less wind. As Christopher noted above, I am thrilled that the winds have picked up so that we can hum along at a faster pace. There is just that much more to occupy one's mind and attention when we are going 7+ knots. - Molly
Mary is napping just now... Porter and Jack are hidden away below in the starboard cabin with nothing further to report
WONDERFUL! As a past sailor I can remember how boring it was with no wind. The swim must have made the wind come. Tell the boys to win an O'hell game for me and keep up the 7 + pace! Pat
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates, and so happy for you that you are finally humming along.
ReplyDeleteLove to you all. Mano
Fair winds and following seas, indeed!
ReplyDelete