ARC Diary
Out Of India
Birgitte and Ray Charmak
Wed 23 Nov 2005 02:45
We have managed the first day of our major voyage.
The start was calm we left our pontoon at 12.20pm on the 20th November,it
took forever to fill the water tank as pressure was low with all the other
yachts doing the same.
Wind speed was 8 to 10 knots and we were one of the first 20 Yachts crossing
the start line.
The weather forecast was that we would be hitting a low with winds in our
face ie south westerly, so having started with a northerly and cruising
shoots out it was a great start and spectacle, we enjoyed a a competative
start with some yachts getting closer than we wished but no disasters.
We even had time to enjoy lunch,however at short notice there was a complete
turn round in the wind which turned from a lul to winds of 30 to 35 knots on
our nose this at first was really exciting with the sea spraying over our
heads and as I( Ray) was on the helm still wearing T shirt dressed for the
weather at the start I got drenched!
We had a good sail reefed in and then when the wind seemed to drop let out
more sail.
At 2035 there was a scream from Nicola/ Dame Ellen for help to reef down as
the wind had picked up to 30/35 again,at least we now know she has a strong
pair of lungs.Alwyn/Inspector Cludo and James/Brill boy were first to get up
with Alwyn going a over t as the boat was way over on its side as he was
still half asleep; all ended well except both Birgitte and I suffered with
sea sickness which was brought on by the strong smell of diesal in our
bilge.The sea was pretty rough with high waves of some 14feet.( We later
today managed to pump out the bilge and beleave we got about 3 litres of
neat Diesel, so Oyster will be getting a stiff email as I have already
reported this problem, from our Bay of Biscay experiance.
Today the weather has been a lot calmer unfortunately the wind is still on
our nose and the weather forecast is bad from tonight through to thursday
with another low front coming in.
I had my first test broadcast on my SSB radio today and stayed on to
report our postion, when at just before 1400 we heard a MAYDAY call from
yacht Leyenda ARC 223 they were handled efficiently by ARC control and the
MAYDAY call has been set down to a PAN PAN as the Yacht which has water
coming on board and they now appear to have control over the situation in
the mean time as I type we can hear on the SSB channel 4149.0 the rescue
helicopter communicating with the Yacht and Los Palmas control centre, it
seems the Yacht Leyenda has decided to go back to los Palmas and a rescue
boat will be sent to assist a tow, with the helicopter standing by, and
Leyenda has just announced 16.07 that they will be going back to Los Palmas
as although the water leak is in control they are concerned , as they don't
know where the water is coming from.The one good thing that has come out of
this whole experiance is the professional way and safety net created by
crossing the Atlantic with the ARC and its back up procedures, and
assistance given by other Yachts in case of emergency ,an announcement was
made.
The wind has just turned and from a SW which was ending us South we now have
a South East gusting in all directions this could be the begining of the Low
front, unfortunately we are now sailing North West because of the shift in
wind as we want to be going South West at least we dont have a PAN PAN or
MAYDAY situation which helps bring this into perspective.
Tuesday 22nd November
In the Doldrums have started to motor spotted a whale about same size as us and a turtle swiming to Africa.
caught a tuna about 7 Kilos it was delicious.
Wed 2.45am Since writing this I Ray am on night watch, a perfect starlight night but
sadly no wind we are under motor in the doldrums, and anticipate we should
get to the cape Verde islands by saturday evening to refuel providing we
have some wind to help get us there as we only have enough fuel for aprox
half that distance!! All part of the adventure!! RandB
More LaterWish us luck and keep in touch as we are desperate for home news
and fond love to all our family and friends.
Ray and Birgitte