Day 13 - hotting up
Freespirit
Sat 9 Dec 2006 18:33
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15 52N 49 33W
Last night was another mini-epic. Tried to
get the genoa down in a squall at around 0200 but could only furl it
halfway before it jammed (again!). A few hours later the main genoa
halyard parted which would have been more dramatic if we had not already
attached the spare in anticipation. None of us got much
sleep....
Thought seriously about going up the mast to thread
a new halyard but eventually decided to use the topping lift as a
back-up. More drama getting the genoa down to attach it and we had the
whole sail down below for the third time to untangle it and re-furl. We
now have it back up and pulling well, the wind is moderating as forecast to
15-20 knots and everything has been quiet since lunch.
Not much else to report - limited banter and gossip
on board due to general exhaustion and heat. The sun has become really
fierce over the course of the last week and the boat is like a sauna down
below. We have a lovely breeze on deck but then are sitting in scorching
sunshine! It is such a trial! Given the weather you have all been
having back in Blighty I am sure that you would all be prepared to swap places
on that score....but then you would also have to clean the heads in the same
lovely temperature!
Am about to make 4th batch of bread. Nigel is
slaving over a hot stove (honestly, he is Fiona) and Colin has bravely attempted
to resurrect our fishing gear in spite of the devastation rained upon it by the
collective Atlantic marine life. We are down to our last spool of line and
a handful of rather pathetic lures. The stub of the broken rod is lashed
to the back of the boat and we are having to use one of the boat's winches as an
alarm. No bites yet but Col is undaunted....
Do send us emails if you get a chance. The
scurvied crew are starting to get restless as we approach land! 670nm to
go. ETA is still Tuesday night/Wed morning
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