Days 10, 11,
Gins.pt
Thu 3 Dec 2009 10:48
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On Monday we had strong winds in the right
direction. We sailed with main and shortened
genua (goose wings) and
made a good progress ..Just before midnight we were
crossing the 38 degrees west, which meant that half of the Atlantic ocean was
behind us.
On Tuesday ( day 10 )the wind started shifting and
was weaker.This was the time when we should have
hoisted the spinnaker if we still had one.
We also seem to have finished our fish diet as for
a couple of days there was no fish on the string.
Days are still nice and sunny. We have not yet had
rain,
but it is getting humid and hot during the
day. There are still big waves ( 2 to 4 m ) and our voyage is
very rolly. GIN'S is
continously shaking and the mast is leaning up to
30 degrees in any direction. As the result both sails flap with
loud noise which is even amplified down in the
cabins. In addition, for whatever reason we could not fold our
propeller
so it is running the whole time adding to the noise
level (and slowing the boat ). In these waves we cannot dive to fold it
manually so I will listen to it till we reach St. Lucia, since it rotates just
below my bed.
On Wednesday afternoon the wind became
even weaker and we only made 157 miles.. We need
a spinnaker ....
It is depressing to listen to flappy sails. English
say: Flappy sails, unhappy sails.. I do not know how much of this stress
can a sail take ?
Our cooks decided to cheer us up with an
excellent meal.
We had beef filets and as a side there were
artichokes
hearts with slices of bacon, covered with
parmigiano and garlic, prepared in the oven. A
bottle of Rioha added to the spirit of the team. During the night we have
crossed the 1000 miles to go line. The first 4 or 5 boats are expected to reach
St. Lucia on Friday. Among them are Swan 70 and Wally 80
with professional crews. We may still need 7 or 8
days if the wind would not get stronger.
Do not worry, we have enough food, drinks and
diesel... and good nerves !
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