Horse Latitudes - South
Where Next?
Bob Williams
Thu 3 Dec 2009 15:56
Course: Southwest. Speed: 0.5 knots
Wind: North F1 - Light air
Weather: Partly cloudy, warm
Day's Run: 72 nm
We have left the trades behind and are now in the Horse Latitudes once again, only now n the southern side of the equator. We had enough wind through the night to keep the sails up, running wing on wing before a light northerly with the mainsail slatting regularly but bearable. By 9 a.m. however the wind was down to a zephyr, a slight swell remained and the mainsail's antics as its great long battens hammered from side to side with each roll had become wearisome and was causing me a little anxiety for general wear and tear. I relieved my anxiety by dropping the mainsail and partially furling the heavy genoa. Now with very little sail up to steady the boat's motion we are rolling moderately in the slight swell, which can also get very tiring. The forecast has a southerly arriving soon, so this will have us moving again even if it is a headwind, at least it is wind.
All is well.
Bob Cat:
This rolling around really is quite intolerable, especially when it is so warm. I have to sprawl out in all directions, and dig the claws in just to stay in one place. The V Berth I find is a nice airy space with plenty of room in which to spread out. Lesser felines would give up but I am a professional, I can sleep through anything . . . Zzzzzzz.