Pole disaster!

Moorglade's Voyage
Ted Wilson
Sun 12 Dec 2010 14:43
Our position is 13:08.55N 42:53.52W
 
24 hour Run     Log trip (through the water)          153.8Nm
24 hour Run     GPS     (overground)                   158.0Nm
Midday wind and weather                                    Force 4 E      Sunshine, some cumulus clouds, but squalls threatening 
Sea state:                                                          Significant swell with some big waves.
Temperature:                                                      30C
Distance to go                                                    974Nm
 
It is disappointing to report that just as we were about to take our midday readings for this blog, the pole holding out the headsail into a running position bent in two. Ted and John have jury-rigged the boom to act as the pole so that we are still able to run with twin headsails - the means of some recovery of the existing pole is now being looked into, but with limited equipment on board, it is probable that this will wait until we reach port.
 
As far as the last 24 hours are concerned, in spite of awful weather, we achieved our best mileage performance yet  - running with twin headsails with an easterly breeze interspersed with squalls producing both high winds and intermittent heavy downpours. The winds forecast for the next two days indicate that we will experience wind from a similar direction and strength - on this basis we would hope that we will make Bridgetown next Sunday - we will keep you updated on our predictions.
 
We have noticed very few other ships mid-Atlantic although we came across a very large fishing vessel last night which fortunately was lit up like a Christmas tree - we presume that it was one of those factory vessels fishing for tuna. Incidentally our fishing efforts have been  temporarily suspended as we are now striving to maximise our mileage and in any case we have not been too successful of late. Also we have seen very few fish - only a few flying fish (one of which flew through the cabinway hatch and was found on my bed near my pillow! Fortunately I was on watch at the time and unaware of it We have not seen any dolphins since leaving the Cape Verdes islands - maybe this indicates a lack of fish? However it must be worth big trawlers travelling all these miles.
 
Spirits on board remain high. We like to boast of our own efforts on watch - John achieved the maximum speed through the water of 11.9 knots (uncorroborated and a momentary reading) during one of his watches last night. Cooking standards remain high in spite of some very bumpy conditions - there is a great knack for the person responsible for the meal to wedge himself into the galley and then to place the various ingredients, utensils etc in safe positions so that they do not move when the boat hits the next wave. John's meal last night which included spaghetti was particularly difficult after it had been served as  the spaghetti wanted to leave the plate at each lurch of the boat! Indeed even washing up is difficult. All very wearing!
 
phc