Day 11

Top Secret
Feel The Magic Yacht Vacations
Tue 3 Dec 2013 15:05
Date : 03/12/2013
Time (UTC) : 14:00
Position : 23:11.780N 38:12.160W
Distance Traveled : 1673 nm
Heading (TRUE) : 253 degrees
Average Speed : 06.24 kts
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Barometer Reading : 1017
Wave height : 07 ft
Wind Speed (TRUE) : 15.50 kts
Wind Direction (TRUE) : 055 degrees
Water Temperature : 25 C
Air Temperature : 27 C

ACTIVITIES:
It has been a restful 24 hours. We are now heading directly for the BVI in a straight line and there are less than 1,500 miles to go.
The wind is blowing from almost behind us and we have only the Asymmetric up and doing around 7.2 knots on average. That is about 160 - 165 miles per day. The boat has a nice calm motion about it and is very comfortable and flat. It almost feels like we are still in the marina in Puerto Calero. Every so often we pass through a small squall and the wind picks up a bit and we scoot along at over 9 knots, then slow down again when the squall passes to around 7 knots. The wind is blowing at around 15 knots true wind speed and we are feeling around 8-9 knots on the boat. We ate supper outside in the cockpit last night for the first time in a week.

The temperature of the water and air have increased and it is now quite hot (if you are British) or just very comfortable (if you are South African). Sails for up wind and reaching have been stowed away and the main is packed in the stack pack, with only the 'Kite' flying.

I think we have a few bad batteries! We are unable to make the most of the 200 amp charger for more than 20 minutes or so, then the charging capacity drops and it is uneconomical to carry on charging. We have a full tank of water thanks to the water maker and while charging the batteries we use the immersion heater to heat the water in the hot water tank, so we always have enough hot water for a shower each day.

I think the air conditioners will start to be used in a day or so if the humidity increases any more. Most of the components on the boat are working well. Engines start and work great. Genset works well and so does the water maker. we can make about 150 litres of water in an hour, which is about our daily consumption at the moment (None of which is used as drinking water). The bread stock is running low and so are the cereals, but we have many other supplies that will compensate.

We have all settled into a relaxed routine of reading, eating, sleeping and generally being lazy.