19:30.11N 28:03.96W

1023 nautical miles covered ....... ( approx 1900 nautical miles to go)

Distance Covered on Fastest Day: 177 nm ( Fri-Sat)

Fastest Speed: 9.9 knots (!!!)

 

Distance Covered Sat-Sun  - 149 nm ( back to normal!)

 

Well, it looks like the wind is finally abating. The forecast, which had reduced somewhat the intensity of the wind, reckons that we will be back to calm-weather sailing tomorrow.. Let’s see. It’s still a bit up and down but mostly calming; it’s going in the right direction.

 

It has been quite intense. The winds hardly dropped below 20 knots between Tues – Fri, with speeds varying continuously between 20 – 40 knots and that’s the wind speed that the boat reads – going with the wind so in fact you can add another 7-8 knots onto that to get the realistic figure!! So, we were in an official ‘near gale’ ( 28 to 33 knots of wind) to gale ( 34 to 40 knots of wind) continuously for four days!!! Wow; the weather forecast before we left was way out.

 

However it’s been OK and has certainly meant that we’re a great deal closer to our destination!

 

School has been out, for reasons above, until today where I’ve started to give them at least some small, reading assignments. They have therefore been happily alternating between the den that is their room, lounging comfortably in the saloon area ( the table is now down and makes a great, big comfy bed) or occasionally braving the weather and joining whoever is on duty on deck. Yesterday afternoon though saw a change and for the first time we were able to sit comfortably outside and play a few games. I am very happy to write that the sea today is even calmer and the cockpit is now a much more pleasant place to be. Day and night. For the first time, last night I was able to read on my ( fabulous) ‘kindle’ without a very real fear of it getting completely soaked by a random wave. ( It feels like you are in a movie set sometimes, where there’s someone on the side with at least one bucket of water ready to throw on or at you whenever he or she likes).

 

All behind us now; fingers crossed.

 

We did have a fabulous moment on Friday, just before the sun set and the wind had abated momentarily, and we were joined by a fast, fun, fairly large pod of friendly dolphins! Fabulous! The frolicked ( sorry more f’s) with the bow wave and gave us an impressive show of their jumping, twisting and diving abilities sometimes in formation, sometimes solo.

 

Anyway, must get off and do my shift on deck. I hope I haven’t painted a bleak picture here for despite the large seas, heavy winds, occasional soakings from waves, not to mention lack of sleep and a really difficult time trying to prepare hot food ( which we’ve managed to produce at least twice a day) it has been really fun! I still love it here and wouldn’t change anything ( well, not strictly true – a covered, waterproof central cockpit with a heater would be nice).

 

Shall update again in a few days,

Jane, Erwin, Sofia and Isabel

xxxxx