38:03N 19:53W Position Update - Whale Hoy!
The Snark on The ARC
Ben Little
Tue 31 May 2011 03:45
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Hi folks,
Tracking westward at a decent pace 183Nm in the
last 24 hours and an average of 7.1 Knots over the whole passage so far and
climbing, Currently the wind had not quite made up it's mind what it is
doing and we are constantly switching angle and sail set though it is still full
whites out right now with no need to reef. Currently in a more quiet
patch with unfortunately rain and wind dropping off considerably. I am
hoping it will pick up again shortly but need to warm up so downstairs out of
the rain. Chris will take a shift upstairs and I hope the wind will pick
up again.
Unfortunately back upstairs for a bit there, still
cold and damp but not actually raining. Had to re-set the sails again and
the wind angle to get the best of it. We are now heading a bit
further south than we want but will try and trim it up later as the wind picks
up again. The WW seems to be doing a better job this time (aside from the
last 30 minutes) but the consistent and strong winds that have been blowing in
this segment are not quite here any more with the Atlantic high having moved
north the winds are tending more Easterly, as we move west they are heading
north again and who know what we will get as we move toward the
straights.
The whole crew seem very tired on this leg, I guess
it has been a long crossing, more time at sea and more time in port (Bermuda)
than we anticipated and frankly I hope that we are able to keep pace on this leg
(I have to say if the wind does not pick up we will have to start the engine
soon). One less crew member does make a considerable difference
particularly when there is a lot of wind change and some real sailing to be
done. Harder to sneak a quick sleep during the day as fewer people to
cover the watch. We were all on deck about 3 this afternoon but all
asleep.
Whales and dolphins continue to about in the North
Atlantic, the sea seams teaming with life and frankly the number of whales is
cause for concern (whilst obviously a delightful distraction) since during
the day we often see them very close the boat ether alone or in groups.
Sometimes they seem to be stationary on the surface which implies they are
sleeping and may not be aware of us at night it would be easy to hit one and
even in the day they are easy to miss, grey against the grey of the ocean (this
is not really fair as it has been blue skies for most of today).
Those of you following the blog will be pleased to
know that our rations situation on this leg is much better than on the
last. Even at the worst case predictions of our passage time we will still
have generous provisions for the trip. We even had some new additions to
the diet with fajita wraps for supper tonight and no restrictions on tea of
coffee (extra bottle of gas!!)
Until next time. Must go now as despite my earlier
statement the WW seems to have forgotten to puff and we are just floating
again. Engine time again perhaps?
Ben and the Crew of The Snark
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