29 52N 14 00W

Great Escapes Yacht Charters SY Great Escape
GEP /Phil Munday/ Ocean skipper Emily Bower
Tue 29 Oct 2013 12:26

What a difference 24 hours make! Back on with the acupressure bands, back on with the oilies. It seems we are going to be tested again just as the finish is in sight. After yesterday’s sun, fun and dolphins; curry, rice and Angel Delight, getting up for night watches was interesting! The night was dark, the waves were high and confused, the wind was strengthening and we were soon down to a partly furled headsail and no mainsail.

We still haven’t caught any fish – they get suspicious when their bait is ‘swimming’ at an unnatural speed! 11 knots may not sound much to you landlubbers, but when a huge wave picks you up and carries you forward you feel on top of the world. (Less euphoric rolling around in your bunk trying to sleep!) Mind you, when I was ‘pooped’ by Jeremy this morning I was not so happy. For those of you who don’t know the term ‘pooped’ it means being dumped on by a wave coming over the poop deck. The earlier decision to leave my jacket off because I was too hot enabled me to cool down even more!

We tried to capture the size of waves on our cameras, but a photo of the facial _expression_ of someone emerging from the hatch when they first see the walls of water behind the helmsman’s shoulder would be more telling!

This morning continued with no sign of the predicted calming of wind and waves, but by now we were focusing on achieving our destination. We expect to catch sight of Lanzarote this afternoon with arrival at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria due first light Wednesday.

With one more night at sea there is still time for further adventure.

And Spaghetti Bolognese!

We’re feeling good, just ‘under-slept’.

And we’re looking forward to returning safely to our friends and families.

Maggie.

Out.

 

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