First to Porto Santo

Luna Quest
W. Eric Faber
Fri 9 Aug 2013 12:23
> Dear Family and Friends,
>
> Friday, 9.8.13 Position Noon: 35º 47'N 14º 17'W
>
> Distance run from Vigo: 479 miles
>
> Daily run: 165 miles
>
> The rig that I deployed yesterday has done a wonderful job. The two poled-out fore sails have needed no adjustment whatsoever and have held the ship beautifully on course, assisted by Fred for minor adjustments. The wind overnight blew between 19 and 25 knots giving Luna Quest a rip roaring sail down the slopes of 3- to 4- mtr waves. Speeds often exceeded 8 knots. The noise from time to time was quite disconcerting as some of the really big waves rushed Luna Quest along in a welter of froth and boiling water. I had left one of the galley windows open and just as I was about to fall asleep after hours of trying, I heard one of the sails bang about, followed by a large splash on the saloon sole. It had me mopping up on hands and knees. For good order's sake I also closed the little round window in the heads.
>
> Today the winds have eased to between 16 knots and 20 knots, making life on board much easier. The distance left to run to Madeira is 215 miles, so bit a little luck we should be able to see Porto Santo tomorrow late afternoon and make landfall in Funchal before midnight. I am looking forward to some wonderful walking, for which Madeira is so well known.
>
> Eric