Day 3 - 1300 BST Persephone of London

Persephone... Cruiser/Racer
Nigel & Karen Goodhew...
Tue 13 Aug 2013 12:08
1300 Day 3 - Persephone of London 2H
 
As we approached the Scilly Isles yesterday evening, it became evident that we could make a fairly late decision as to which way to leave them. The oscillating breeze over the day had as occasionally tracking North of them, and occasionally south. Our initial (rough) plan was to tack up in the gap between St Mary's and the TSS exclusion zone, though in the event, we didn't really fancy volunteering ourselves to head straight into the southbound tide. Instead, we carried on with a stronger SOG and stuck with our overall strategy of heading West. We noticed that Rapscallion, the other double handed 38 executed our initial thoughts... and we have since lost them on AIS with the seperation that resulted.
 
Other updates: Dad went swimming this morning. Up until this morning, our engine problems had not relented, and every time we went to charge, the fuel line was getting clogged with something. The swimming I mentioned was not in the English channel, nor the Celtic sea, but in the diesel tank. We think it's all unclogged and resolved now, though as I type, there is a potentially sea-sick-inducing aroma wofting around the cabin. Luckily, neither Dad nor myself have the time nor the 'attitude' to get seasick... too busy!!
 
Last night was another good night for us. There was an amazing sky with too many shooting stars to count, a decent breeze, and the boat was sailing nicely. With all the stars out it was easy to sail along all alone on deck (with lifejacket/harness on, if you're reading this Mum / ISAF) and you notice that the Sigma 38 universe is realy quite small - especially when it reeks of diesel!
 
We sailed pretty much due West on starboard tack, south of the Scillies... expecting a big left shift, which we have harnessed now. We are currently power reaching... 50deg apparent wind angle on port, with 6-11 knots TWS and flying towards the rock. We are pretty sure most of our rivals are to the north east of us - it will be interesting to see how we all pop out on the other side. Wish us luck!
 
Tim