In the Doldrums
Vega
Hugh and Annie
Thu 14 Jan 2016 14:06
17:13.57N 42:20.05W In between the area of low pressure that has passed through and high pressure becoming re-established to restore the trade winds there is an area of very light and variable wind and we seem to be in the middle of the worst of it. The trusty engine is back in action and we are motoring west in the hope of finding stronger and more consistent northerly wind. I imagine it is like this in the Doldrums - very hot and humid with the odd very heaver rain shower passing through and the wind indicator gently revolving in circles. We had some very heavy rain during the night which was great for washing the boat down but disappointing that neither Annie nor Steve was prepared to brave the elements and put up the sun awning that is caked with brown dust and could do with a good soaking. I do wonder about their dedication to the task………………..We have been getting some updates from home about the Talisker Atlantic Challenge. This is a rowing race from Cape Verdes to Antigua following a similar route to ours. We have been looking out for them but sadly haven’t come across any and it looks like they are now all behind us. The nearest one, “Oarsome Buoys” in third place, was 60 miles behind us at 1600 yesterday but right where had had sailed through. We are wishing of course that we had made more effort to meet up with them but given the weather we were all facing at the time detours to wave to lone rowers didn’t seem our top priority. We will wait for them in Antigua but at 11 miles a day they could be some while getting there. Wildlife tally still zero after what my brother informs me was a White Tailed Tropicbird. Apparently Steve saw another one this morning. Ah, the engine has been throttled back and there is talk of a breeze. Must go!     |