Day 52 – The Proverbial Calm

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Thu 3 Feb 2022 18:33
Noon Position: 52 41.4 S 087 57.2 W
Course: ESE Speed: 5 knots
Wind: NW, F4 Sea: slight
Swell: W 2 meters
Weather: overcast, cool
Day’s Run: 127 nm

Winds were relatively light overnight so our daily run is down a little but still very respectable. But, unfortunately, our spell of clement weather is rapidly drawing to a close as we just as rapidly close the Horn. The forecast is for increasingly strong winds with 40 knots plus by Sunday, and there is worse behind it with an even deeper low developing to the west of the one currently dominating our weather, blocking off any possibility of retreat. So the plan is to keep on going at best speed and hopefully get into the lee of Staten Island just beyond the Horn before the weather gets too severe. Fingers crossed.
Today’s chores are of course to continue getting the ship prepared for heavy weather. I am currently running the little Honda genset to get the batteries as fully charged as possible. I will run the engine for a short period later to make sure it is available if needed. I have climbed the mast as far as the spreaders to check the rigging and all looks okay aloft. The new trysail is on its track and ready to go, as always. The new storm jib is down below and I will set it this afternoon to make sure it is ready to go as well. Otherwise it is a matter of going from fore to aft, on deck and below, making sure everything is as secure as I can make it.
Distance to Cape Horn: 720 nm.
All is well.