7th May...Nearly there!

Chiscos - Atlantic Cruise
John Simpson
Sat 7 May 2005 15:41
I had thought that the weather gods were going to be kind to us for our Biscay crossing,and when we started yesterday the wind seemed fine. However, the early morning zephyrs built to a gale by early evening. So, we experienced our first gale on board Chiscos. The seas were huge and the wind blew at over 40 knots - but, we battled on (you can't really get off!) 
For those of you who are interested, the boat was fantastic and coped with the conditions well. At the height of the gale we were down to a scrap of main and about 1/4 if the inner foresail. With this combination, she rode the seas easily and maintained good directional stability.
I am pleased to say that the crew also managed well and despite a bit of exhaution caused by the rough seas and sever motion(and lack of sleep) we are all in good spirits and looking forward to being in Spain for supper (et une grande biere, ou deux;-)) tonight.
We are having difficulties with the photo technology for this log so we are trying today's script with a little picture of Regis for you all to enjoy.
John