Heading North
Chiscos - Atlantic Cruise
John Simpson
Sat 19 May 2012 14:45
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36:02.51n 057:25.965w
Well this is our 4th day at sea and it seems like just
yesterday we left Bermuda! We started in a nice breeze with the 18 or so
boats in our class making their way through the 150m town cut out of
Bermuda. After a few hours our hearts sank as the wind died - we didn't
want a repeat performance of the last trip from BVI to Bermuda where we had to
motor for far too long, especially as we ideally need to save fuel for the
calms expected later on in the passage. Luckily in the middle of
the night the wind picked up...and up, and up! We were quickly far
too overpowered so everyone was up to help reef. By this time the sea was
well and truly on the beam which made sleep utterly impossible. Not only
the motion of getting knocked side to side but with the sound of the huge
waves slapping the side of the boat it feels like we're sailing into a brick
wall most of the time! We were all totally knackered the next day
and luckily by the evening the wind and sea had abated slightly so we were
able to sleep a little. Since then we've had a steady force 5-6
so although we're still getting knocked around, we're making good
progress. I think by now we have all caught up with ourselves and
feeling chirpy again. We've had lots of music and the skipper has
just given us a little trumpet recital. Yesterday we very nearly
caught our first fish (well we had a nibble anyway). We were getting
rather frustrated with our pink squid that had served us so well on
the way across and as we were sailing so fast we decided to bring out
the biggest lure we have (yes, the one that looks like it belongs to
Ann Summers). Just as dinner was being prepared (when else was
it going to happen?) the familiar FISHHH!!! cry went out and we sprang
into action. Unfortunately we lost it but at least we know they're out
there now! We have been somewhat put off though as one of the boats
on the radio net told us yesterday they spent a couple of hours fighting a
fish they hooked. Only when it was tired enough to be reeled in
alongside did they realise it was a shark! They made a wise decision to cut
him free.
So all in all we are having a decent passage so
far. There are however 3 things dampening our spirits
slightly:
1) We are currently last in the fleet. We are
not competitive at all so obviously that's rather insignificant. Radio net
chat has been dominated by weather & routing and the fleet is firmly
split down the middle as to the best direction to head to get the best
winds. We are sticking to our decision to head north as we fear other
boats taking a more direct route will encounter much longer periods of
calm. There's plenty of time for us to make up the miles,
surely?!
2) We are continually on starboard tack.
Not normally so much of an issue I know, but our dear
Chiscos has a terrible 'creak' when heeled over on this tack and
unfortunately for us we can't change direction to give her (and our heads)
a rest. The skipper spent the first few days with the boat in bits trying
to find a solution. When the strategically placed credit card
didn't work, a hammer appeared and then finally a drill. All this
effort hasn't stopped the noise but it has made it a much more
friendly sound that enables us to at least sleep through it!
3) On a far more serious note we were shocked and
saddened to hear this morning that one boat in the fleet had to
abandon ship last night. Yesterday evening 'Outer Limits' hit a
whale and were taking on water. Our friends on 'Halo' 15 miles away
heard a mayday call and liaised with Bermuda radio to sail to their
assistance. Luckily a German container ship was also
in the vicinity and so managed to get there before 'Halo'. All
the crew were safely transferred to the ship and are now on route to Italy
having had to abandon 'Outer Limits'. From talking to 'Halo' this
morning it was obviously a traumatic experience for all those involved and
serves as a reminder to us all of the hazards constantly surrounding
us. We discussed how we would cope in a similar situation
and we are incredibly relieved that all the crew are now
safe if understandably shaken.
Mikaela |