Sundowners, a tranquil night sail and showers!
Scott-Free’s blog
Steve & Chris
Mon 13 Dec 2010 12:24
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25:31.8N 18:52.9W
Monday 13th December 2010
Distance run in 24 hours: 102
Total distance run: 231
Distance left: 620
As expected the wind has kept us guessing, but we
have been able to sail, albeit mostly at a somewhat more leisurely pace than we
might choose. It has mostly been abaft the beam and anything from 4 to 15
knots, with the occasional gusts of 16-17. We had a few hours of good wind
when we maintained speeds of around 5.5 to 6 knots over the ground, but much of
the night was spent gently sailing along under the stars at around 3
knots. This morning we put the engine on at 0830 when the wind died
altogether and it's still on now (midday), though there is an occasional
promising zephyr. With at least 620 miles left to go to Mindelo, we
can't afford to motor for too long.
The last 24 hours have been very pleasant, with the
sun shining and the sea fairly calm, with just a gentle swell. At around
1800 yesterday conditions were calm enough to settle back
with sundowners of rum and coke (in preparation for the Caribbean!) and
enjoy a beautiful sunset. Steve was particularly pleased with his newly
designed cupholder which holds the glasses perfectly ( so no need for a third
person to hold them upright Gavin & Sukey!) and thanks to Pete & Mary
for one of our favourite gadgets, the lemon saver, which means we never have to
go without the necessary slice of lemon!
 Rum & cokes safely perched in
cup holder...
...and the excellent lemon saver!
We are settling into a pattern of night watches and
have both slept well (off-watch, not on!) The port settee makes an
excellent sea berth and though we haven't needed it yet, the lee cloth makes it
a very cosy and secure place to sleep when conditions are lively.
Thanks Maisie for the nice pictures to look at as we drift off to sleep.
  A cosy and comfortable sea
berth...
....and Maisie-Jane's pictures.
On deck, our new jackstay lifelines impressed us by
glowing brightly in the dark so that we'll have no trouble finding them to clip
our safety harnesses onto if we need to venture out on deck at night.
 Visible safety lines on deck
This morning dawned sunny and warm, and with calm
conditions we decided it was time for showers on deck. It is very
liberating standing starkers on the aft deck taking a shower, not to
mention somewhat welcome after a couple of days without!
 Steve enjoys a scrub down on deck (no
photos of the mate - cameras are banned when Chris takes a shower, you'll
all be very pleased to hear!!)
Time to get back on deck and see about trying some
sailing - it's only notching up 6-7 knots but we'll give it a
go.
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