14:27.53N 55:41.74W

11/12/10

Wind ESE 8 knots

Weather Hot

Heading 289Deg

Speed 6 Knots

Days Run 146 nm

Distance to go 304 nm

 

Light winds defies forecast- What should have been around 15 to  20 knots with gusts of 26 has turned out to be only 4 to 10 knots and from the wrong Direction to sail in

We could manage just about 2.5 knots but don’t fancy spending the next 4 to 5 Days out here.

Night has seen the 26 knots with rainy squalls ,they come out of nowhere and any attempt to sail is for just  20 min then drop off to virtually nothing. So you have all the effort to get the sails up for very little result and also get very wet doing it. A bit frustrating and not to mention a touch dangerous in pitch black heeled over! Interesting that this strength of wind is of little concern when you already have sails up , its just a case of trimming them to strength and direction- but from zero to 26 knots as you snooze in the little hrs. of the morning in the cockpit, is certainly a very rude awakening! 

So we have had to resort to the engine again, which is very disappointing but we now  feel rather pragmatic about it and Deborah is most concerned about missing flights as needs to get back to work – poor girl – having had to change her flight once already to the 19th (taking the only available flight –mine!) and i now have the next available on the 22nd. Nick’s hasn't changed-still on the 19th.

We all just want to get to St Lucia now, and get that Rum Punch!

Anyway I hope something will change tomorrow , being the eternal optimistic for a good days sailing. (unfortunately the forecast doesn't share any of that)

After a very hot and sticky day up and down the boat trying every type of sail plan , we had the best showers you can imagine followed by a spicy chicken dish prepared by Debs washed down with a glass of Vino Verde- ice cold , so can,t be too bad then!

Hope all you folks are well back in UK

Missing you all

 

Guy  Debs & Crew