DAY 16
CuriousOyster
Steve & Trish Brown
Tue 9 Dec 2008 12:49
For what seems like the first time this trip the forecast for wind strength
and direction have proved to be accurate and we have sailed almost 200 nm
over the last 24 hours in 15 to 25kt ENE winds at speeds varying from 7 to
10kts.
We are now under 500 miles to run and have good winds predicted up to
Thursday lunchtime when light easterlies are forecast. This might prove to
be a sting in the tail as we are likely run out of wind before we reach
Rodney Bay in St Lucia and the finish line of the ARC 2008.
There is a definite feeling of "almost there" on the boat now and we are all
thinking ahead to our imminent arrival.
For the first time in 5 days we have seen another boat in the distance,
going north and therefore not one of the ARC boats.
Last night was another clear sky, moonlit starry night with quite a few
shooting stars whizzing across the sky.
Chris's invitation blog
Well every minute takes us to our ultimate destination. I find my emotions
are split many ways. Yes I want to get there - to have achieved an "Atlantic
crossing" has been a burning desire for a long time. It also contributed to
my retirement timing which would have been put off if I had not been
fortunate to become a crew on Curious. The saying goodbye to three other
colleagues that have shared that Atlantic experience. The four of us have
gelled amazing well considering we had only been together for 6 days when we
took the boat down to Brittany in early May of this year. A fantastic and
supportive team which, for me, has enhanced the experience. Another part of
me is not wanting the experience to stop. The sitting on deck whilst eating
the final meal of the day as our boat sails into a wonderful sunset. Or
watching the moon come up and bathe everything in a soft light. Then
watching the moon disappear over the horizon so allowing a myriad of stars
to appear. They are so clear and sparkly. Our day, as previously mentioned,
is ruled by watch changes and meals. Whilst a very simple life it is also
most fulfilling. I have not mentioned, something very close to my heart,
about the boat being an agreed dry boat, therefore no wine or beer. We do
allow ourselves a shandy with our evening meal. For the crossing. It has
therefore been a great detox opportunity but I am looking forward to a glass
or two of red wine on our arrival. The sheer peace of being surrounded by
thousands of miles of sea is very liberating. We all thought that we would
be bored so we bought lots of Games/books etc. It's interesting that we have
used only a small number because the views are so captivating. A number of
people have said that they would not do the crossing because of sea
sickness. We all have a number of preventers which we take and I am really
pleased to report that none of us have had any problems at all. For those
who know me well Christmas is not something I really look forward to and out
in the Atlantic has meant we are totally isolated from it. This has allowed
me to focus on the important things and perhaps the real Christmas message
that seems to have been overtaken by extreme commercialisation. Christmas
is about sharing, looking after those who are less fortunate and thinking
about others before yourself. I truly believe the spirit of Christmas has
been with us on our crossing. I hope that you all have a great sharing
Christmas and there might be someone reading our blog who makes up their
mind to cross the Atlantic next year.
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