24:24.63 N 26:00.08 W
California Blue
Mark Bashforth / Jayson Bashforth
Thu 29 Nov 2007 19:55
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Blog nr. 4 from California Blue - Kite surfing
in the Moonlight 29/11-07
Hello Everyone,
The last 24 hours have been amazing!
At the time of this writing 19:50 UTC we
have sailed over 675 nm and are almost at the 1/4 way point to St.
Lucia.
Let's recap the last 24 hours.
Shortly before dinner we played a serious session
of Uno which got quite competitive at times. When the dust settled Elliott
walked away with the spoils - a bar of Norwegian milk chocolate
mmm!
We didn't eat until almost 20:00 UTC so dinner was
a rush affair - partially because the bratwurst potato surprise was so yummy but
mostly because we were keen to get into our evening watch routine. Jayson and to
boys started there watch and Mark and Vic got some much needed
rest.
When we went to bed the wind was quite mild - about
7-8 knots but hit 14 knots during Jayson's watch for a short time. During Vic's
watch the wind picked up again - around 15 knots. I was still sleeping (trying
to anyway) while holding onto the bed with one hand and Elliott with the other
so we didn't fall out of bed. My watch started at 04:00. After sending in our
position report to Chris Tibbs our forecaster, I took over the helm. The
wind and seas were mild for the first 30 minutes and then suddenly we
got our first serious winds approaching 20 knots. With the Parasailor in
it's element we were literally kite surfing down the backside of 3 meter
waves hitting sailing speeds of 11.5 knots in the full moonlight! An
exhilarating experience. Jayson couldn't sleep from all the healing over we were
doing and decided to wake up and keep me company which was most appreciated
since our port navigation light on the bow was somehow damaged during the
evening from the Parasailor sheet.
So the updated damage report now includes a
tricolor masthead light, 1 mainsail batten and the port navigation light on the
bow. After breakfast we spent several hours trying various solutions on how to
fix the navigation light as the spares didn't work. See included picture of one
of the more ingenious ideas we will attempt to use tonight as a plan B. It even
includes the signature MacGyver duck tape - don't leave home without it. Good
job we aren't in a heavy traffic area.
One of best emails emails I received today was from
my brother in-law Simon Rudkin who was kind enough so send us some great tips on
setting the wind vane properties on our ST290 controller. That definitely made
life more enjoyable managing the Parasailor at low inconsistent wind speeds and
directions. Thanks Simon!!!!!!! As we are quickly becoming
Parasailor experts, we have found that trying to fly this sail in anything less
7 knots of wind is a major hassle. That being said, with a steady wind
direction we have managed 5 knots of sailing speed from 6 knots of wind
which is fantastic.
Around noon we got hit by a series of squalls, just
managing to get the Parasailor down in time. We all got pretty wet but
California Blue got a much needed wash. After an hour of squall dodging the
Parasailor was back up and we were on our way hitting sailing speeds of 7-9
knots in 12 knots of wind.
Now well underway, Mark spent some time in the
onboard internet cafe following up with work and checking in with the family.
This was followed up with everyone gathering in the cockpit for a happy hour of
Tappas and red wine and Fanta. Everyday we all get together to discuss the day
and our plans for the next 24 hours.
The boys have been busy helping around on the boat
- Spencer did dishes and Elliott did some reading hoping the dolpins would
return.
We enjoyed more gourmet dining tonight - steak
filet with fresh Atlantic vegetables. Photos attached!
The outlook for tonight - well right now the boat
is flying between 8-9 knots in 10-11 knots of wind. Our course is 262
degrees.
I think I will get out the leecloths tonight - I
have a feeling we are going to need them!
Good night all.
More fun to report tomorrow.
Mark and the crew of California Blue
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