Day 14 Morning
Top Secret
Feel The Magic Yacht Vacations
Fri 6 Dec 2013 10:39
Time (UTC) : 09:00
Position : 22:07.780N 45:50.160W
Distance To Dest : 2115 nm
Heading (TRUE) : 266 degrees
Average Speed : 06.44 kts
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Barometer Reading : 1013
Wave height : 02 ft
Wind Speed (TRUE) : 04.50 kts
Wind Direction (TRUE) : 110 degrees
Water Temperature : 25 C
Air Temperature : 26 C
ACTIVITIES:
We have been under motor for the last 15 hours or so and have been making way at 6 knots using one engine as usual. The wind direction is now from the west, albeit only at 4 knots (Which is pretty much no help at all!)
Our weather info shows that the wind is due to get stronger and start to veer to the north west. This is what we are hoping for at the moment as we are running very short on fuel and might only have another 12 - 15 hours left of diesel. We really need to get to the wind before the fuel runs out or we will be drifting for a few days in total calm before the wind gets to us.
It is sunny and very calm outside and there is a constant drone of the engine pushing us along at 6 knots. We will have to reassemble the code zero pole and set it up in advance of the wind change, so that we can start sailing at a reasonable speed sooner. The code zero can be used in wind speeds of up to 15 knots and makes a big difference when used correctly.
Once the wind changes to the north and starts to veer around to the north east again, we will be forced to take it down and and stow it to put up the asymmetric as it interferes with the bridle we use on the asymmetric if the pole is still out in front of the bow.
The wind looks set to increase over the next day or so to a good speed of over 15 knots and we should move along at a nice pace for the remainder of the trip. We have just over 900 miles to go and should do it in 6 days, arriving in Antigua on the 12th (of course this is only if all goes to plan, which has not been the case thus far!!)
We have eaten very well on this trip due to the help of our friends at La Portena Restaurant in Puerto Calero, who gave us fillet steak, Rib eye steak, Lamb fillets, Sausages, Pasties and chips for the trip. We have enough left for 6 more meals at supper time. Our potatoes have done really well and are still edible after more than 2 weeks. We have been eating English breakfasts and porridge and cereal for breakfast with the odd dowse of muesli and yogurt for good measure.
Our supply of beers is good, but the soda's are running low. The bread is still fresh, which is worrying!!