Make and Mend Time
Sulana's Voyage
Alan and Sue Brook
Tue 30 Nov 2010 19:01
Day 10 and our position, as at 17:30 UTC on the 30th is one which no longer
gives us much of a thrill... None of our budgies are bouncing in their cages
anymore!
There is yet another deep depression in front and to the North of us that is
likely to give us headwinds in pretty much whichever direction we try to go.
Pity the forecasters did not show that one 4 days ago! Our north going tack
has done very well for us, by piling on some sea miles away from the very
light winds we were experiencing, and, in fleet terms, we have moved up to
19th place and this includes the race boats division.
Now we must try to cover our position with a south-going tack, which does
not advance us in the direction of St Lucia, but might get us down to a
latitude showing a semblance of the elusive trade winds. Apparently they are
blowing gently at 12 degrees south, about 400 miles south of us.
I think you can safely say that what is writ upon the tin - isn't!
We have some lovely sailing now, after a bit of a bashing over the last two
days. We are close-hauled in 11 knots of breeze, but in smooth seas and with
6+ knots on the clock.
"Make and Mend" in Naval terms is the order of the day, with washing,
changes of bedding and cleaning and leathering the topsides.
Let us see what the night brings with any wind changes, as we continue to
seek that elusive lifting breeze that will allow us once more to set our big
spinnaker for the Caribbean and finish line.
