Position 17:03N 047:01.2W
Mariposa Blanca Move
Skip- Andy Petty. Owner hard at work in office!
Mon 4 Feb 2013 20:39
Log 4623
Noon to noon 89nm
GPS to go 1007nm
Firstly, A Happy 29th Wedding Anniversary to Heather & Mike. sms received this am. Mike tried to call by satphone but could not be heard by Heather!. The suspect is the gremlin, still to have a positive sighting onboard.
Congratulations also to my Grandson Ben Creanor for qualifying over the weekend for his cadets karting licence, which apparantly means he may let loose in a race very soon. No doubt his parents are ageing rapidly!
The wind appeared during the night as predicted, building to a gentle F4 by 0800 and at last, the engine could be rested. The motor has done 111 hrs since Tenerife and we are still on the original 136 ltr tank, which is pretty good economy.
Just for fun, w ehave decided to run the motor until it runs out, partly to check the gauge for |Peter and also because then we can estimate the true hourly consumption. Since daybreak, the overhead sun has been charging via solar panels very effectively also.
Although the wind did go lighter after 1200, we remain on a broad reach at about 5.5 knots, with pretty smooth seas and lovely sunshine. Midday temps are rising daily and although not yet in the Spanish summer bracket, are quite warm enough to promote some tanning of the team. Winds are due to increae overnight and during tomorrow but remain from the east. We are hoping it will not become "tippy Uppee" as Mike says! As I type, the wind appears to be rising. Supper has just appeared courtesy of Adrian so a short break is made.
Another fish of the same variety was landed around 1800 and it seems the early evening is definitely the time for success. This one was also released after refusing the offer of the blue bucket onboard but this time the hooks did not snare the fishermen!
Bad news is that the catering corps have made a serious error and this evening, we ran dry on gin, vodka and tonic, all on the same day. Thankfully there is a little beer remaining.
Thanks to all those who sent sms with rugby results over the weekend. The incoming messages are received gratefully and shared evenly! Commisurations to my family north of the border (he says with a little snigger) and best wishes for their game against the French and may the dark blues win.
Have a great night everybody
The Mariposa Blanca delivery team