2nd March - Genoa furling problems

Rhumbrunner
Thu 2 Mar 2017 22:02
Before dark last night we were sailing again, still going East. Around midnight a change in the wind made us tack north and we continued on till midday. The forecast wind shift came in and we tacked to the East. We are currently sailing ENE to gain more north for the forecast NE winds that we will have in the coming few days.

All good on board, eating well. Stuart even iced a chocolate cake.

Just as I was finishing writing this blog the electric genoa fuling gear failed. The genoa did have 2 reefs in it but it unfurled which suggests the gearbox is not connecting the electric motor to the headsail furler. So, just before dark we rigged a line around the drum as per the Amel instructions and furled away 3 reefs. We are now sailing with a heavily reefed headsail as the forecast is for the wind to increase tonight. Still making between 4 & 6 knots depending on how strong the wind blows. This should allow us all to get a good nights rest. I guess this final leg upwind has put a bit too much stress on the furling gear!

300 miles to the nearest Canary island and 450 to Gran Canary. We still have over 400ltrs of diesel so can motor if necessary but we should still be OK to sail all the way.

Current Position 2/03/17 20.55 UT 28:41.9N 023:43.9W

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