Course  300  

 

Speed 6.5 kts

 

 

 

Better weather.

 

The wind is still 20 knots plus but has lost it's edge.  The sea is now blue and boisterous and whilst still full of huge seas and whitecaps, it no longer has the blown spray and uncontrolled feel that made yesterday such a challenge.

 

We did have a "moment" yesterday when the constant movement proved too much for the stainless post that holds the radar scanner over the stern.  Luckily we were in the cockpit to see it collapse and 10 minutes frantic work has seen it stowed safely in a locker.  A couple of brackets should see it fixed in Antigua and in the meantime we are not expecting fog (although we have had every other kind of weather, so who knows). 

 

After the last couple of days it is worth recognising 2 crew members who have done most of the work on board Sadie but don't draw pay and rations with the rest of us.

 

Monty - The monitor windvane has done the steering for hour after hour.  As long as we balance the sails reasonably and dont ask him to work in less than 5 knots of wind then we can leave him to it.  We have grown completely confident in his ability to keep us on a fixed course relative to the wind and anyone trying this trip by hand steering needs their head wobbling.

 

Mr T - The wind-turbine.  Another who likes it windy !   In anything over 8 knots he will give us electricity for lights, comms and the fridge - and who wants cold beer on an adventure like this. 

 

And, we just hit 13.3 knots falling off the front of a massive wall of water - hopefully the last of the big boys ! 

 

 

 

Domestic 

 

We are back in the cockpit and Tim has clearly decided that we wont be stranded at sea for another 2 weeks because he has started to use up the fresh provisions that we have jealously hoarded until now.  Cheese and Gammon sandwiches at lunch today !garlic fried tuna with spicy rice for dinner.

 

If it stays reasonably calm then there is the chance of a bucket shower in the cockpit this afternoon. 

 

 

Natural History.

 

Nothing but flying fish today.

 

Late yesterday we had a visit from a bird that looked lost but again, didn't fancy landing on deck.  It was flying into a 30 knot headwind and circled back 2 or 3 times before heading on.  White, 2 foot wingspan, flying high rather than just above the waves as the petrels and sheerwaters do.  The tail was odd and looked like a streamer trailing behind it.  The only thing we can think of is "bird of paradise" but we are not sure these are even caribbean birds rather than from the Pacific.

 

 

 

Rowles kids - McDonalds sounds good.

 

Dave S - About 80m between crests.  They come in very quick succession and we mostly just hang on. 

 

And we undersatnd that the Gooners amongst you have suffered a little setback...  Keep the news coming please.  Just 1 more week

 

Richard - you have got the hang of this now and keep them coming "hi to Margaret"

 

Granny jen  thanks mum and keep them coming too

 

Sadie