Sting in the tail!

Moorglade's Voyage
Ted Wilson
Mon 20 Dec 2010 12:30
Our position is 13:04.21N 59:19.99W
 
24 hour Run     Log trip (through the water)          137.3Nm
24 hour Run     GPS     (overground)                   142.8Nm
Midday wind and weather                                    Force 2 E      Sunshine, some cumulus clouds
Sea state:                                                           Small swell with small following waves
Temperature:                                                      32.5C
Distance to go:                                                   11.3Nm
 
We were sailing most of the day in light winds but at 22.00 the wind dropped so we decided to motor to get to Barbados in daylight the following day. We motored through the night with just the main up running before a medium breeze.
 
After an uneventful night, at 06.00 the wind veered somewhat and the main was gybed. However 30 mins later two squalls hit us simoultaneously, bringing torrential rain and later high winds from another direction which caused a crash gybe. The main sheet parted from the boom leaving the boom flapping uncontrollably. John was first on deck to help wearing only underpants and life jacket - not a pretty sight. Ted soon followed (more sensibly attired) and he was able to get a spare sheet onto the boom end to bring things under control.  There followed a night of torrential rain but we were able to sail again. 
 
By morning Barbados was in sight and we continued to motor to our destination.