Things that go bump in the night
Magnetic Attraction
Roger and Margaret Pratt
Wed 11 Dec 2013 15:34
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Wednesday 11
December 2013
15:05.12N 47:09.25W Course: 268 Engine Hrs: 2 Day's Run: 157 miles Total: 2,242 miles Temperature
26.5C
Water temperature reading 31.5C Wind speed: 20knts Wind direction: 72T Hello Everyone,
We are stonking along on a starboard broad reach at
between 6 & 7knots in 20 to 22knts of breeze, with Martinique on the nose.
We have two reefs in the main and the genoa poled out and furled to a smidgen.
We are sailing in bright sunshine with a the four of us enjoying the ride, from
the the cockpit. We are confidently predicting our best days run of 157 miles.
The weather looks to be set like this for the remained of the passage, so I will
be surprised if we cannot average 6knts over the remaining 800miles. With a
little more sail, we could do another knot, but this would involve sailing on
the edge all the time, with the crew constantly wondering if the the boat will
get the better of the autohelm, leading to a 'broach' on the next wave.
Overnight as Lucy's watch ended at 11pm, I was
awoken by the motion in the forepeak, which was something akin to fairground
ride. We were doing in excess of 7knts and by body was regularly leaving the
berth, and I was having to sleep athwart ships with my feet braced against the
cabin side. After about an hour, I decided the the forepeak and sleep were not
compatible, so I moved to the cabin berth and Margaret and I are now
'hot bunking' (In case you are wondering this is a nautical term and not what
may be implied.).
During Roger's watch the wind and waves continued to build and towards the end he furled
the genoa, rather that call everyone up to reef the main. He then handed over to
Margaret and went to bed. Unfortunately whilst buckling up the lee cloth, the
boat lurched and he was ejected onto the cabin floor, hitting his side on the
edge of the saloon deck floor and waking the rest of us by groaning rather a
lot. With the benefit of day light we realise Roger has either bruised or
cracked a rib. Nurse Riley has been in attendance, administering pain killers
and he has been put he is on 'light duties' because this was his third accident.
This morning we have seen a large fish jump two
feet clear of the waves, hotly pursued by four dolphins. Lucy claims to have
witnessed a water spout on the horizon and shortly afterwards a large
mammal frolicking clear of the waves. Based on this sighting I am expecting
see a 'flock' of mermaids later this afternoon. ( the crew
think that Bryan is demonstrating that he's been at sea far too
long!)
We are expecting the wind to rise to 25knts over
night, so another reef may be called. We are all in high sprits and I have been
reading the Martinique tourist guide to evaluate the waterside restaurants. I am
really looking forward to that that first beer, some time on Tuesday afternoon /
evening (counting chickens I know, but it would be nice to finish on a
flourish)
Best wishes, Bryan (Mum)
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