Friday 7th 14:30hrs UTC - Day 13
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Friday 7th 14:30hrs UTC – Day 13 Its Friday again and with charged batteries we are back
communicating! We have been on the wheel now in 30knt winds for the last 36hrs
and fatigue is kicking in. We are rotating every 3 hrs but it is wearing us
down. We have not seen blue skies for two days however we are seeing shafts of light
this morning. The night before last we were entertained by frequent lightening
and since then the seas and winds have been right up and only this morning abating.
It has made for some exhilarating sailing with the boat frequently hitting
12knts surfing down waves and on one remarkable occasion yesterday we recorded
18knts. The highest this morning was 14knts. About 10 minutes ago, we passed
the 1000nm’s to go mark and tonight we should pass the two thirds
complete mark when we pass the 900nm’s to go mark. In the midst of all this bad weather we discovered our
domestic batteries were practically dead and not charging. After two days
on/off fault finding we found that if we disconnected the thermostat from the
regulator, the alternator charged fine. Having had new batteries and a new
second alternator fitted before the trip, it was hugely frustrating and quite a
relief now that it is charging again. We spotted our first whale of the trip just over two days
ago, around the same time we saw our last boat. It passed us about 200m to port
heading East. We have not seen many flying fish this last two days, presumably
the only like the fine weather. We have had a couple of broaches, after one of
which incredibly we found a 200cm fish in the cockpit. We have a little more damage to report, but nothing too
serious. The geneoa has torn at its base where it has pulled out of the track.
To avoid further damage, we have furled it slightly. The MOB Sling was washed
away last night and the light in the automatic danbouy was also activated. We
recovered the sling but it’s a mess. Food last night was a ham madras curry with apple, lime and
mushroom. The previous night Richard cooked a spectacular Onion Monegasque. Ham
will not be on the menu when we get to St.Lucia! Tonight, Paul is threatening
us with his infamous tuna bake. Despite the mounting list of damage, both the boat and crew
and fairing well. Spirits remain good. If the winds hold we should be into Most Recent ARC Control Update…….. (a day or so
old) Nr 53 - Has broken forestay and lost their
headsail and forestay. Inner forestay is intact. Minor
damage to other parts of boat but of no danger. Position at 1530Z 05/12 was 20
24.1N 029 21.98W heading 260. They have jury rigged a forestay and
are continuing to St.Lucia under reduced sail. All aboard are OK. No assistance
required. 199 GULL Having problems charging batteries.
Running reduced power regime. May only be reporting
intermittently. Other yachts are requested to relay positions if possible. Last
reported at 17:10Z on 05/12 was19.11'830N 38.59'994W 238 GREAT HUFF Have communications problems. May
only be reporting intermittently. Other yachts are requested to relay
positions if possible. 73 WALROSS IV Departed Gran Canaria at 22:00Z on
05/12 ALLA BYAZINA - crew from AAG BIG ONE Is now in hospital in |