Day 2 DR to F. Lauderdale

Shelena
Phil Scourfield
Sun 22 May 2016 21:45
21:42.4N 076:19.25W

22nd May, 2016

When departing the DR we had planned to anchor over night at Great Inagua.
We had a fast sail for about 20 hours, but the forecast was for dying wind
so the decision was made to keep going without a stop to benefit from the
winds so long as they lasted. The wind prediction was spot on, so soon our
fast speed of 8 or 9 knots was down to 6 knots then to 5 knots. The downwind
sails started to flog uncomfortably as the wind was losing strength to
maintain full sails.

We used the opportunity to wash down our decks. It is amazing how salty
Shelena's exterior becomes. The sea water splashes and the hot sun soon
evaporates the water to leave salt crystals everywhere. H is not comfortable
with salt being trodden inside from outside so we busied ourselves washing
down, which to be honest was a joy, because with swim wear on it was great
to splash ourselves too, to cool down. Washing down is followed
systematically with chamois down of all shiny bits ie stainless steel and
glass. This procedure has been done many times now. It means we have a good
system. Start in the cockpit because that is where we will return after
cleaning and it is better dry. Then to the bow and work aft. One simple
extra on our yacht was a hose tap in the anchor locker to enable to do this
very procedure effortlessly. It's the little things that can make life so
much easier. Our reward for finishing? A nice glass of cold water! We are a
dry boat at sea. Can't wait for a beer! It really is quite tough sailing,
not just glamour on the sea in the sun in the Bahamas!

Job done and gleaming nicely, a glance at the instruments confirmed what we
knew which was that our speed had dropped to about 4 knots. Main engine on
and furl in the genoa. As our fuel tank is pretty much full I decide
carefully to note our diesel consumption so I can with confidence answer
the question, how far can we motor before we run dry? I will let you know
this in due course. Main sail to centre to aid the yacht from rolling too
much, which it has a tendency to do when under engine. All that done and
time for dinner.

H has pre-prepared all main meals. Various stew of chicken and lamb for
example. We had chicken. Although conditions were fine for cordon bleu
cooking, all we had to do was remove the stew out of the freezer and warm
through in the microwave. Place it all on a bed of spinach and it was
delicious! Hope the winds pick up, but the prospects of that do not appear
to be good for two days.

All's well aboard Shelena.