ARC Day 2
Starcross Fair Log
Ross Wilson
Mon 22 Nov 2010 16:53
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Monday 22/11/10
Midday position 25:50.6N 15:48.0W
Noon (1300 start) - noon run: 150NM
Plan +24Hrs - COG 220M
We splt into our watches last night after a supper
of shepherds pie made earlier. Al, Al and Will 2000-0000, then Ross and Paul
0000-0400. We then continued with our 4 hour watches. Alex had her first
experience of night sailing - and helming. There was a very bright full moon
which was spectacular, but also meant that we couldn't see many stars. I'm sure
we'll have lots of opportunities.
The yachts seemed to disperse a lot - we could see
an average of 8 around us. Ross is our radio net contoller for today, which
means checking to see who's listening in our group - today there were 17 yachts.
There are 5 radionet controllers in our group who rotate days. Ross then gave a
weather forecast to them, which he had downloaded from an ARC email. Other boats
then had the opportunity for general chat and questions.Menus of the day,
whether a 24yr old is young enough for children's net and fishing advice was
discussed.(James McCredie - or any others - tips welcome!). The
radionet is transmitted through high frequency radio - for which our back-stay
is the transmitter. We had 3 sightings of dolphins during the transmission - we
reckon they liked it.
It is properly hot and tropical, with us only
needing one jumper and pair of tousers at night - very different to sailing in
Scotland! We seem to be doing very well, and have just over taken a big 50' boat
which should be going faster than us, according to the handicaps. Had the kite
(the big colourful sail at the front which looks difficult to put up, which
isn't too bad) this afternoon. CD tune "Blessed be the Rain" now banned because
it works too well!
All (including Al) well!
Ross, Al, Al, Paul, Will
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