Day 15

Sadie
Sat 7 Dec 2013 17:45
14:53.552n 32:44.687w
 
 
Distance to Antigua      1681 miles
 
Distance Run today       133 miles
 
Course  270  
 
Speed 5.0 kts
 
 
Sailing update 
 
Ran south last night using the last of the stronger wind to reach down to 15 degrees north.  There is a 1/2 knot of current down here and we may avoid the worst of the light airs forecast for Monday.
 
Did all the sail changes from standard white sails first thing this morning and we now have our 2 biggest genoas poled out and set in the twin grooves of the roller furler.
 
We plan to stay like this, and ride what wind there is until about 40 degrees west when we shall dig out the gnomic chart and plot the great circle route for home.
 
Chris tells us that there is a massive area of light airs all over our patch and that winds will increase from Monday evening.  He predicts we will be reefing by Wednesday as they will be too strong.  Here's hoping.
 
In company with 2 boats sailing parallel course with a couple of others crossing us today.  We also saw a freighter last night.  After 3 days of isolation it is feeling busy out here.
 
Domestic
 
Bathtime on the foredeck this morning with buckets and shower gel and some clothes washing to eep everyone smelling sweet. 
 
Curry lined up for this evening as we start to use up the beef.
 
And we "found" at least 25 litres of water in the main tank (probably quite a bit more but it's an odd shape so we have kept to a minimum figures)  now that the boat is upright again.  
 
 
Natural History.
 
Nothing new today - lots of flying fish.
 
 
Todays responses:
 
Em - weather charts !  You will be sailing with me next ....
   I will pass on the gym this month.  The commute will be difficult.
 
Rowles kids - hope you are having a good weekend and the tablet has not been banned !
 
 
Sadie