3 dec

Lisme
Sun 3 Dec 2006 19:53

19.49.87N 34.57.05W

 

We’ve had a busy night’s sailing. We had to take avoiding action to get around a massive fishing trawler. We thought we had the ocean to ourselves! We made very fast progress, but still just missed the elusive 200 miles in 24 hrs. Dag. However, we did set a new instantaneous speed record at 14.2 knots. The downside was that the boat’s motion was very uncomfortable and most of us had trouble sleeping (Tubby being a notable exception).

 

Whilst our winds have been lively, further north they have been very strong. Sadly one competitor, Mustang lost her mast. She is a 25.3M Camper and Nicolson, i.e. a big boat. Luckily no one is hurt and a commercial vessel has been directed to assist her cut her mast free.  Sobering thought though as the event took place only 50 miles north of us. All at home can rest assured that we are OK, having taken a more southerly route.

 

We have been shadowed by the yacht Persuasion for the last 24 hours. She has been mostly in sight. We have had a few chats with her on VHF. 

 

Brian and Steve have been taking promotional shots of crew in club and work clothing. Regular fashion show at sea.

 

Tonight we dine on lamb casserole, roast potatoes and petite pois. Crimbo cake and custard to follow. More suited to current UK climes than our upper twenties. However, we are creatures of habit, determined to dine well…

 

                    Here’s Kevin.

       Command central. As our track shows, we are close to half way across