We had hoped to be able to continue our positive reports, but as soon as we had set our final waypoint for the trip, not only did the wind die but it forced us north of our course. Initially we were not too bothered by this as the day's grib reports had indicated that there would be a weakening in the wind and then there would be a change in its direction which would enable us to take advantage of our new position and take us direct to Barbados. We continued through the night with twin headsails utilising the cruising chute. However as the night wore on, the wind weakened further and the direction of the wind took us further off track - by the end of the night we were more than 50 miles off course.

 

At the start of the day (the sun rises about 0930) and after the receipt of new grib files, which indicated no change in the wind or its direction for at least 12 hours (but a change to our advantage and at a higher windspeed later) we decided to alter our course and sail direct to Barbados by raising the main and using the cruising chute as a spinnaker. We persevered with this for a couple of hours with little wind and therefore making very little progress. About an hour ago we decided to lower the chute and resort to the motor and are now motoring at about 6.5kts. We are hopeful that the grib reports run true and we will be able to return to sail power in the early evening.

 

Interestingly we have today spotted by sight 2 other yachts approaching the islands from the north of our position- these remain as yet unidentified. They are however the first yachts we have seen since our departure.

 

We remain in good spirits despite this setback, just as we thought that the end was in sight! None of us seem to have yet  got to grips with our rota system where we operate a watch system each of 2 hours, apart from two 3 hour watches in the middle of the day - this means that there are a total of 11 watch periods throughout a 24 hour period. Therefore our individual watches move forward one watch period each day - all very confusing and further complicated by us still adopting UK time but adopting the sun rise and fall for mealtimes.

 

Hoping we can give better news tomorrow!

 

phc