Atlantic Crossing - Day 5

The Talulah's Web Diary
Ali Pery / Shane Warriker
Mon 28 Jun 2010 14:44
44:46.622N 17:25.156W

Soon after we last wrote, the wind picked up to 20-25 knots and we had a
lovely 24 hours sail doing 7 - 8.5 knots on a beam reach. Then it dropped,
and we now are goose-winging downwind at approx 4.5 knots in damp, thick
fog. Ugh.

We are ironically having to slow the boat down a bit now with grib and email
warnings of 2 lows joining to form a big storm developing North of us in the
next 24 - 36 hours.

On Friday afternoon we had a big surprise as a sperm whale, about 12-15
metres long, passed just metres ahead of our bow, blowing as it slowly swam
by. We could quite clearly see its massive head, small dorsal fin and its
lumpy vertebrae. It was a magnificent sight, and a reminder of how close
you can get to these amazing creatures.

All is well and cheery aboard Talulah, and we're making the most of the calm
before the storm hits, cooking up the remainder of our fresh food - feasting
like kings and queens - steaks and roasts, today a chicken curry (Kate has
on the go), freshly baked bread ... a lot healthier eating than our last few
weeks ashore we reckon.