Position – 16:46.02N 48:27.10W

Days run – 131

 

Today we are both shattered, worn down by lack of sleep, the motion of the boat and the howling of the wind. We both needed to get some rest, so in an attempt to change the motion I took down all sail and rigged a tiny storm sail.

 

This reduced our sail area from a max. of 80m squared to about 7m squared. It had a dramatic effect, Magnum only slowed slightly but is now riding the waves with a much gentler motion and we are no longer taking waves onboard. Blissfully we both managed to get some proper food and a few hours sleep.

 

Last night was a blowy one with squall after squall hitting us, along with heavy rain and a night as dark as a cave. All rope handling was done by feel alone and great care was taken to ensure our harnesses were clipped to something solid. Despite the unpleasant night, with our new tiny sail pulling hard everything seemed safer and more undercontrol, Magnum was no longer surging forwards like a wounded elephant everytime a wave overtook us she just gently lifted and allowed the walls of water to pass underneath us.

 

We still have a few days out here so hopefully wind and swell will abate at some time, but for now we are comfortable and moving in the right direction.