Day 4
Sadie
Tue 26 Nov 2013 16:58
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25:13.833n 19:17.754w
Sailing update first today:
We ran downwind last night at about 250 degrees in
about 20 knots true wind. It wasn't an ideal course as we want to get
further south to pick up the Trade winds but it was towards Antigua and
more importantly we could leave our headsails goosewinged and make an easy
night of it after the previous rough night.
The boat was stable even though the seas were big
and once we had the washboards in to keep the rain out we could just take
turns on watch to stick our head through the hatch every few minutes to check
who and what was out there.
The ARC fleet moved slowly away from us to the
South and barring one bulk carrier that passed us heading north, we have been
alone in the sea since about 4am.
We are now on a reach and have spent the day
experimenting with sail configurations to make the best of the conditions we
expext to find over the next few days - and for Tim to catch the spinnaker
halliard that Jez lost up the mast last night. He used the gaff that is
supposed to be for all the fish that we haven't caught ! All helping to
keep us busy and out of trouble.
On the domestic and sports front:
The card school has kicked in with Jez leading at
Gin and Tim threatening to switch to scrabble if we can agree the rules. Ricky
will have to make the decision on tonights game. The stable boat last night gave us the opportunity
to eat dinner in a civilised maner at the table below. If anyone see's Ian
in Tollesbury you can tell him that his gammon survived the trip out here and
was really good. We have 2 more tucked away in the fridge for
later.
Lunch has been a bit of a lucky-dip experience as
Ricky and Tim shopped in Fuerteventura on the basis of limited Spanish and
whether the labels looked appealing. Both like fish and every meal
involving cans is an adventure - Today we had something black with calamara in
it which was great. This is good because we have many tins of it still to
eat. Claire Whittaker, as our resident Spanish speaker we have also been
eating "surimi en forma de angulas al ajillo picante" which we think may be
squid but cant be sure. We like them so can you tell us what the are
?
Dr Rowles was in attendance at the surgery today
and conducted a thorough investigation of Tim's missing filling. We have
an emergency dental pack and an operation has been considered but it is probably
safer for everyone to leave well alone for now as Tim says it doesn't hurt
anyway.
Whilst we only post the blog once a day, we
receive texts instantly so thanks to the many of you who are keeping us informed
and entertained.
Today's responses:
Claire - Even from a family of gooners taking the
mick out of Tim, sports updates are welcome. But when you tell us that we
missed an amazing game of rugby between Ireland and the All Blacks you have to
finish the story and tell us who won ?
Emma - of course I'd forgotten about the dental
pack! Thanks for the reminder and do you know where I packed my socks
? It's also a good job you sent me out for jalop becase it's really hot
out here and I'd be burned by now without it. That may be pushing my luck
if it's really cold at home.
Joe - even if nothing has happened, it's good of
you to tell us so.
Tim's mum - yes it works ! Good to hear from
you.
Ellis - nice to know you are reading and responding
to requests. We may send more your way.
Sadie
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