Day 16 - Fast and Lumpy night
Bonkers
Donald Macdonald
Thu 23 May 2024 18:43
Yesterday we opted for no jib, this was a good decision as once removed Harold was not over shooting the heading on the way back as jib not there to suddenly accelerate the turn.
Initially we were both not able to sleep as when in the bunk felt like a tumble drier as we were thrown side to side with the turning motions of Harold and the sea rolling the boat all over the place. As the night wore on and the sea was not such a mess and we were tireder as the night went on we splept well.
With Harold working very hard and we were going downwind 150-160 apparent the S's did at times put us 5 degrees past the gybe which was not a problem as no more as the main was well out we changed the watch system to 2 hours On/Off. When on watch were behind the mainsheet behind the wheels so if we did involuntary gybe and have to take control we were out of harms way of the mainsheet whipping around as learnt from trip down to Canaties when John got his head injury.
Speed was good all night with us averaging 8 knots, often surfing at 12-13 knots with the big seas, bigger than the forecast 3 meters definitely 4 but some may have been 5 very ominous when coming at you from behind in the dark and sometimes more noise as they are breaking. Wind was regularly consistently at 28-31 knots. The trip log indicates we did do 14.9 knots at some stage, good old Harold.
Wind is now down to 15 knots, with still 2-3 meters seas, we have jib out and just one reef and still doing 7 knots regularly. Wind will keep reducing down to about 3 knots this time tomorrow. 494nm to go.
Dinner would not have stayed in any bowls last night therefore sweets, biscuits and chocolate made do. Tonights dinner will be chicken in white sauce mixed with chunky chicken & vegetable soup, mixed veg, baguette, cheese then pear halves in juice.