Day 96 – Prince Edward Islands
Where Next?
Bob Williams
Sat 19 Mar 2022 12:20
Course: E Speed: 6.5 knots
Wind: NNW, F4 Sea: moderate
Swell: W 2.5 m
Weather: overcast, cool
Day’s Run: 141nm (119nm Easting)
The wind backed into the NW yesterday afternoon which allowed us to pole the jib out to port once again, and it also eased allowing us to increase sail to full jib and just one reef in the main. At 0215 the wind was freshening a little, so we put the second reef back in and rolled the jib down to 60%, and as the Prince Edwards Islands were getting closer, we gybed to stay on track.
We were duly rewarded at 0825 when the NW headland of Prince Edward Island, the northern and smaller of the two islands that make up the group, broke clear of the veil of grey clouds. Later we caught glimpses of its eastern end, but the bulk of the island remained covered by its shroud. We continued towards the SE hoping we might also catch a glimpse of Marion Island. While the larger of the two, it was covered with an even thicker blanket of dark grey cloud and we had to be content with a shadowy grey edge showing itself briefly as we sailed past.
Now that we have paid our visit to the Prince Edward Group we have altered course to the east with the next group of islands, the Iles Crozet, 500 miles ahead.
In between the islands, literally, I contacted Sylph’s MSO and we are satisfied with my forehead's progress, not so literally (for Kate: Hamlet 5.1.132).
All is well.