Friday 9th November- at sea en route to Sal, Cape Verde Islands
Spellbinder
Fri 9 Nov 2007 11:52
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We are now firmly in the North East trade winds,
blowing force 4 to 5, and with the wind dead astern and the genoa boomed out
opposite to the main sail we are speeding along at 6 to 7 knots. This has all
happened over the past 24 hours, and with 140 miles to go we are increasingly
confident of arriving at Sal tomorrow, Saturday.
Some statistics on our voyage to date. We have
logged 3,250 miles since leaving Plymouth on 29th May, 1,635 miles since leaving
Lagos in the Algarve on 22nd September, and 576 miles since La
Gomera.
We are now fully in to the experience of tropical
sailing, as we are comfortably south of the tropic of Cancer. At night, with no
moon and little cloud, we enjoy starlight, a glowing milky way, shooting
stars and brilliant phosphorescence, both in our wake and in the
sea water in the lavatory pan. Numerous sightings of dolphins, some of which
come to play around our bow, and some of which provide glowing trails in
the night time sea. We have also seen a few flying fish, but none on deck so
far, only a small squid, presumably dropped by a passing sea bird. Onboard all
progresses well. Yesterday Mike used his experience of bread making to produce
an excellent loaf for us, cooked in a saucepan on the stove top, a little
different from the aga he normally uses. A great boost to the victualling
plan as we have a workable system for fresh bread for the next, longer, leg of
the voyage. This morning he has repeated the process, closely monitored by Bunny
who has taken copious notes, just in case Mike disappears overboard? In return
for Mike teaching us to make bread, we have taught him how to clean a toilet,
apparently a lifetime first for him. So we all share our experiences of life.
Ros made us flapjacks yesterday, a very popular addition to tea time, and
we slowly progress our way through the food mountain, still on fresh meat, fruit
and veg. Looking forward to adding alcohol to the diet once we have
arrived.
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