Atlantic crossing from Bermuda 18
Thisbe
Fri 22 Jun 2007 20:07
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The weather forecast says high
pressure moving north, a couple of low pressure systems well to the north and
west of us also moving away. Looks like the biggest problem is going to be lack
of wind. Departed the Azores at about 8.40 on Thursday 21st. Little or no wind
and a bright sunny day. Steering between the islands of Faial and Pico gave us a
very good view of the two volcanoes, Pico shrouded in cloud as usual for the
time of day. As the day progressed the cloud cleared away from the top
and we could see the cone of Pico, the highest point on the
islands, as we slowly left it astern.
The wind picked up and we were soon
making about 5 to 6 knots. It would take abut 10 hours to clear the islands on
the course we had chosen, so we settled down to enjoy the last views of
land for at least ten days. Abreast of Graciosa, the last
island we would be close to, the wind died again forcing us to motor for about seven and a half
hours into the evening. Late in the day we passed two whales, a mother and
baby, not sure what variety they were, a nice sight in the evening sunshine. As
we move north the days have been getting longer, in fact I think 21st is
summer solstice, the longest day, the sun finally went down at 10.20
in the evening. In the Caribbean the sun disappears at about 6.30 in the
evening, one of the things I wont miss. We are now six people onboard
having been joined in the Azores by the Skippers son John for the final leg
home. A quiet night but a bit uncomfortable in the downwind roll.
Friday 22nd June. My brothers
birthday.
Same as same as. Light
southwest wind on our starboard quarter, slight sea with small white horses,
about force 2 to 3. Drifted through the day visited now and again by schools of
Dolphn who linger for a while but seem very intent on going somewhere, they
are soon on their way. Richard presented us with a beef dish that he has
been preparing for the last couple of days. Sautéed in red wine and the
inevitable garlic then cooked for ever to tenderise. Big chunks of beef about an
inch and a half square, served with veg in its own gravy.
In he evening he did a quiche but the
bottom caught a little and was hard as a board unfortunately, due to the
fierce heat from below in the oven. 1000 miles to the Scillies as I
write at 7.30pm. The only concern is running out of books
to read, so, all in all, cant be bad. Still no fish.
Manny
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