Friday 7th 14:30hrs UTC - Day 13

Gull
Brendan Cahill
Fri 7 Dec 2007 13:34

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 Rodney Bay by next Friday, less than a week to go.

 

Most Recent ARC Control Update…….. (a day or so old)

 

Nr 53 - CHRISTIANIA

 

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 Las Palmas and will undergo surgery on Friday to repair burned skin.