Talulah's Web Diary
Paul & Anette Morris
Thu 6 Jul 2006 12:25
Well, here we are afloat again, and this time bowling
down to Porto Santo, just north of Madeira, in a near gale! We
started this trip a few days ago from Portimao in Portugal. The aim is to
get down to the Canaries and then wait there for the start of the ARC (Atlantic
Rally for Cruisers), in November. On the way we will visit a few
places, try the local hospitality, and become tourists!
We
started on 4th July, and left under a beautiful blue sky, and seas that just
became clearer and bluer as we cracked along. Things soon turned
rough however, and by late that night we were experiencing big seas and a wind
gusting Force 6 and 7. Anette and I just hunkered down for the long
haul, and Anette soon produced some "storm meals" - ones that don't need much
preparation when the going gets tough.
Here
we are 2 days later, and with 357 miles done and 136 to do, and the wind has
just gotten stronger and the seas higher - but the sun is shining and it's warm!
(well, ish!). Our best speed yet is 168 nautical miles in 24 hours,
and we're expecting better today. The best speed that we've achieved
is 10.5 knots, and we seem to be always over the 7 knot mark, despite the wave
action. With 2 reefs each in the Genoa and the mainsail Talulah is
performing beautifully.
We
should reach Porto Santo in 24 hours so more from there
Anette
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