Monday 25/04/11

1200UT Position 37:49.8N  53:16.4W

Distance run 1200 - 1200UT: 168NM

1200UT  COG 045M, SOG 6.8kts, wind 250M 22kts, baro 1023 steady

1200UT Temperatures: Air 20, Sea 18

Intention: to sail to Horta on Faial in the Azores (1,151NM)

 

Wind and weather conditions continue to vary on a daily basis.  After an uncomfortable 36 hours from Friday afternoon to early on Sunday, we enjoyed a lovely Easter Sunday with clear sky, the occasional cloud, and the sun shone as we enjoyed afternoon tea and cake.  It was initially a lovely night, then clouds appeared from the west and by midnight we had 100% cloud cover with wind gusting 20 knots.  By dawn we recorded a brief 30 kinots and as I write it appears to be moderating and continuing to veer.  We have made good progress in a north easterly direction as we wish to reach 38:30 North before turning east, hopefully by late afternoon.  We believe there should be more stable conditions and better winds to propel us easterly in a band from 38 to 39 North.

 

Ship's routine continues.  In addition to oilskins, warm clothing and boots have re-appeared after a brief shorts and T-shirt spell yesterday.  Ross' Birthday was celebrated in a sober manner as dictated by the conditions (thanks for email greetings received).  We continue to eat well with chicken supreme (from tins), home-made cottage pie, tuna pasta surprise and home-baked chocolate brownies on the menu.  Fresh bread has run out and baking is now underway for our lunchtime sandwiches.  More wildlife has been spotted: our morning bird continues to report daily and has been joined by colleagues on occasions, and several sitings of dolphins and jelly fish (the ones with sails - we wonder if they can tack up wind?). 

 

Hopefully we will be heading directly towards Horta tomorrow with around 1,000 miles to go.