Fw: Leaving the Tropics - N23.47.195. W57.39.94

Moya
Doug Smith
Fri 11 May 2012 16:43
 
----- Original Message -----
From: Doug Smith
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2012 7:30 PM
Subject: Leaving the Tropics - N23.47.195. W57.39.94

Report from the Atlantic - N23.47.195, W57.39.94 - We are now 500 miles out and about to cross the Tropic of Cancer and so leave the tropics.  For us the world is very empty and we have not seen a ship for days. The sea is lumpy with wind about 15 knots (on the bow!) so progress is quite good although a little behind plan.  No sun by day or stars by night, just torrential rain early evening with waterspouts and last night we had lightening for hours.
 
We have a double reef in the main, two jibs and a mizzen, that way we can keep the boat reasonably level although we are paying for it in speed, doing about 4.5 knots over the ground.  The wind is moving to the East, possibly South East,so that will help us.
 
No big fish to be seen, but we are being followed by two sea birds - Rick wants to eat them - but he is all talk!  Food holding out well, we are nearly through our fresh provisions but plenty left.
 
It is still quite warm, but with a chill at night, so we must be making progress!
 
Doug.  

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