noon position 45:46N 012:24W
Dear Reader,
What a day I had yesterday in the middle of a depression with the weather
and I was simultaneously weathering my own depression. Although I got the
boat moving again about 16:30 the rain continued and the winds went light
leaving a confused sea. I knew the wind was supposed to strengthen from the
NW so I hung on to my double reefed main until I thought a shake one out
before dark. minutes after I returned to the cockpit we were hit by more
rain and 25 Kt winds which overpowered the main. Back I went and took the
whole lot down (I wasn't going to play anymore now) and sailed downwind
towards my destination with genoa only. Well the water was running out of my
arse (literally I discovered a tear in my foully trousers), so I cleaned up
and went to bed vowing I would plot a course for Spain in the morning. This
morning arrived with a glorious sunrise and steady 15 Kt wind from abaft the
beam. I've already dried out the wet gear and fixed my bum with spinnaker
tape. Yes I'm the one with the yellow cross. Its all very nice except the
wind has dropped to 7 kts already and is forecast to fall lower as a new
high with its 400 mile centre forms over Mumble and myself, meaning that
crumbs of breeze will be hard to find. I have found the cruising chute and
have given it a stiff talking to although I have the impression that it
wasn't paying attention. After I send this I will give it a whirl...so tune
in tomorrow for the results. Nearly forgot even with bad weather managed 96
miles yesterday and a good part towards Azores.
Radio 4 is always doing a thought for today so here is mine. I remember when
I thought I had lost my binoculars how mortified I felt, although I hadn't
given them a second thought during the winter, languishing in some dark
corner of the cupboard at Home. But to lose them you just realise how
valuable they are to you and how can you describe the joy when you are
reunited. Almost in a micro way like the prodigal son from the bible.
So just remember to appreciate the people and friends around you because its
too late when they have gone. From this day forth to commemorate this
thought by bins will now be named the Prodigals of Numpty. ( Sounds like a
film title and if anyone can think of a good script to go with it, email it
to Working Title productions UK.........by Friday latest)
Now enough drivel where's that sail
Berni
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