Azores Passage Day 2

Starcross Fair Log
Ross Wilson
Wed 20 Apr 2011 23:27
 
Wednesday 20/04/11
1200UT Position 33:34.6N  63:41.9W
Distance run start - 1200UT: 85NM
1200UT  COG 085M, SOG 5.8kts, wind 140M 7kts, baro 1025 rising slowly
1200UT Temperatures: Air 21, Sea 20
Intention: to sail to Horta on Faial in the Azores (1,700NM)
 
We said our farewells and sadly departed Bermuda on Tuesday 19th, a lovely afternoon with clear skies and a comfortable temperature, passing through the Cut from St George's Harbour at 1445.  We proceeded under full sail on a best to windward course, around 50M, at 5 knots in a light east south easterly with a gentle swell from the east.  We left 24 hours after our colleagues on Skylla as we awaited the arrival of another crew member, and have arranged a daily HF link at 1400UT for a chat and discussion on routing etc. 
 
The loo having been given a few days rest whilst alongside, refused to operate on its first call to action.  The successful resusitation of this vital piece of equipment occupied Ross for most of the afternoon.  A pre-supper weak gin and tonic subsequently resusitated him, and followed by a multi-coloured pizza were a welcome introduction to the catering standard expected.  Pleasant sailing continued through the night, with the spectacle of a full moon rising at 0107UT providing sufficient light to read by but cloud cover partially obscured the stars until early morning.  With sunrise at 0940UT the wind started to veer allowing a great circle course of 086M to be set, conveniently also taking us northish to hopefully more favourable winds (magnetic variation is 17 West).  We also appear to have picked up a favourable current of around 0.5knots.
 
A great start to the longest passage of our return.