Day 2 Dolphins

Serafina
Rob & Sarah Bell
Tue 3 Jun 2008 13:04
45:35.00N 08:54.15W

First night was fairly uncomfortable as the wind remained quiet, whilst the
seas built up around us. However, we were able to stop the engine and sail
which at least reduces the noise!
Monday dawned dull but dry and the wind freshened up, so we sailed all day
at a steady 7 knots. We both tried to catch up on the sleep we had missed
during the night (first night always difficult). Visibility was not too good
in the morning but finally the sun came out mid afternoon and we had a great
sail.
All the days excitement came along at 10pm just as were changing watch.
Firstly we found ourselves surrounded by dolphins (we counted 6 or more) who
were playing a game based on diving under our bows and seeing how close they
could get! Wonderful time, but sadly not one that our digital camera could
capture. They finally moved away as it got dark and so, with some big black
clouds  bearing down on us, we decided to put a reef in the main sail and
replace the genoa with the hard wind jib.
This was good timing ,as just 10 mins later the wind went from 12 knots to
30 knots. This allowed us to fly along through the night between 6.5 and 8.5
knots and although the seas became quite rough, Serafina rode them very
well.
Tuesday dawned with a clear blue sky and bright sunshine and to celebrate,
another group of dolphins (at least 8) came and swam along, under and nearly
through us. If only we had a video camera! It was all wonderful and some
leaping clear of the sea, and others charging at the bow 5 abreast, it had
the air of a staged show. The wind had eased by now and seas settled a bit
and so we shook out the reefs and were making 7 to 8 knots through the
water. A bit disconcerting to see that the sea bed is over 4500 meters below
us!!