Day 3 - Azores to UK
Bonkers
Donald Macdonald
Tue 4 Jun 2024 17:14
Progress has slowed down a little as only averaging 5.3 knots. Overnight the wind reduced a little and backed so we are almost going north. At one stage in the night the wind dropped to 3 knots and we were heading east. It was already almost pitch black then it was when this cloud came over to affect the wind and you also lost what you could make out to be the horizon, just like being in a dark room without any indication of light. When blackness receded a little the steadier wind came back in and a horizon could be seen. Reef 1 during night and day so far has been in and out, up and down like a yoyo. Full main now. We are probably on starboard tack going north for another day. 996nm to go.
About 2 in the morning could make out some lights in the distance, nothing on AIS. As time went on identified 3 then 4 sets of lights and took it they were fishing vessels but the way they were going to come across my track going a little fast. When a couple were withing 4 miles got them on AIS and they were motoring along at 7 knots a little fast for fishing. When they were about on my heading slowed down then big white lights came on and now attracting the fish to their nets. The last one stopped right on our path and then became an obstacle we had to make a slight alteration in course to avoid it crossing its bow, it was stopped then and I think was waiting for us to pass. At times there could be seen orange lights flashing on the vessels not sure what they were for except that is when the drums were rotating with the lines on.
Dinner this evening will consist of some french stuff got when in St Maarten, Poulet chasseur aux champigons, peas, mash, cheese, sliced bread then supremes de mandarine au jus.