Day 4 - Downwind Rocking & Rolling
Bonkers
Donald Macdonald
Fri 23 Jun 2023 16:41
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Position: 44.19N 19.10W
Trying to get lots sleep in but always wondering why I
wake up. The boat does lots of rolling from side to side on the waves so get
moved in the bunk. Every now and again can hear the autopilot head outside
letting out its wailing noise to say rudder at 25 degrees, e.g. I've lost it,
but normally comes back and also another alarm that it is too far off
recommended heading. Both these caused by big waves catching the stern just as
it is correcting for wind angle and just happens to be the wrong way at that
moment in time. This does leave one on the edge of exhaustion as it seems to be
just at night the gust come through to give Harold a hard time and needs human
intervention to put a reef in and sometimes remove the pole from the jib.
Forecast has no let up at keeping the wind at 165 degrees off the port or
starboard quarter bar a few hours tomorrow where 135 will be good.
Done a few gybes last 24 hours. On one of them the the
clutch let go the main and it dropped to the 1st reef position. Had to have a
good look around to check that was the reason. Main winched back up.
Unfortunately when doing these long passages main needs to go up on the port
halyard as the starboard one required for storm trysail if hoisted. On the port
side is also the jib halyard which also slips at times so keeping both on
winches as a backup not an option. Port side is also the 1st reefing line.
Due to configuration of exits up the mast I do not see a solution.
Post the deck walk checking split pin, shackles and
ropes for chaffing sat down and enjoyed a coffee and a piece of rich fruit
cake that my mum and sister brought down to Falmouth when they watched the
start, also another sister was up on Pendennis Point watching from her camper
van. Only a few bits of cake left, should last until the end of this
leg.
Modification done in Ponta Delgada for bunk lee clothes
is perfect. Previously when in the bunk the lee cloth just fell away in the
centre and did not feel secure. On the trip south I just slept in the lee bunk
now when sleeping I can pretend I am racing and adding weight to the windward
side.
Dinner this evening from 24 hour military ration pack.
Chilli con Carne, cheese paste on oatmeal biscuits, will have cooked baguette to
clean pan up. Later will have fruit nougat bar, peanut snacks. Also with pack
high energy drink powder. Will also have my normal night snacks packet Haribo
sweets and shortcake fruity biscuits.
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