Fresh Breeze at Last!
Flyer of Lorne
Dave Sturrock
Mon 8 Dec 2008 11:28
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14:20.44N 46:40.20W
Sunday 07 December, Days Run 143NM
A frustratingly slow Start to this period with the
engine stopped at 02:20 as the N'ly breeze filled in at around F2-3. Flyer
had boat speed of around 4-5knots although it felt much slower because of the
flat seas and lack of gurgle from aft.. At 05:00 the breeze became NE allowing
Big Brother to be hoisted again. However the frustration contiunued when the new
breeze died and we had to resort to engine power once more. This was only needed
for an hour on this occasion as the breeze returned at a strength of F3 allowing
Big Brother to be released from the sailbag. Once again Flyer was averaging just
over 5knots which felt a lot slower than we would have liked. By mid
afternoon the speed briefly dropped to around 3knots and a debate ensued whether
we should start the engine again as this boatspeed had been our agreed parameter
for diesel power. At the same time some of the crew thought it would be a good
time for a mid Atlantic dip and were in the process of rigging up a safety
line. Just then the breeze finally decided to firm up and follow the forecasted
strength of F4 and we were making good headway again at 7knots which was a great
feeling. Flyer was making her rhumb line course although we decided to head a
little to the North on a course of 300magnetic from 20:00hrs. This was because
thge latest forecast had a low pressure area developing at around 50West smack
between us and our destination of St Lucia, by skirting bo the North we pick up
increased winds of F5 and only take a slight detour.
We now have just under 900NM to run and our ETA is
most realistacilly Saturday 13 December although there is room for that date to
move forward or back depending on wind shifts.
We saw 2 yachts pass to our South motor sailing
during the morning otherwise nothing to report.
We received news that the 82' Swan "Dreamcatcher"
had crossed the finish line at St Lucia to be first home during the
afternoon having had a close fought duel with Bruce Dingwall's Matelot for 14
days.
Onboard Flyer we have continued to receive messages
of support including` those from Ireland and Scotland,the Petrojarl Banff (
where I still work!) a Hanse 370 owner who had completed the 2007 ARC and a
future charter party from Switzerland who have booked Flyer in January, just
shows what a small world it is.
Dave Sturrock
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