Sea birds
Ondeck sailing
Ian Jinks
Mon 4 Jun 2007 16:56
1200 UTC 4th June
Well, over the last few days we have found out why it is called the furious fifties, and the roaring forties. Last night it blew 40 kts and has heaped the sea up into an uncomfortable swell. The wind direction has changed a lot over the last few days creating a confused sea, and difficult sailing conditions.
The autopilot has had a temporary repair, although we are still having o helm as much as possible.
We have just over 1500 miles to go to get to Tristan Da Caunha, so i really don't think that we will be stopping there if we have any chance of getting to Cape Town by the 22nd of June.
We are constantly surrounded by sea birds, which range from Antarctic Terns to Giant Wandering Albatross, and they are pleasurable companions. The course is going better now, with most students through the chartwork assessment, but it has been a constant drain, both mentally and physically, particularly when the sea is this lumpy.
Anyway, i will keep you all informed of our progress,
Ian Jinks on Pelagic signing out