Atlantic crossing. Bermuda. 3
Thisbe
Mon 28 May 2007 20:04
Day four. Guys are
swimming ! All onboard now feel well and rested so a cheerful camaraderie
has developed. Wind still very iffy with occasional small squalls. We are
juggling with the sail versus motor problem as usual. Run the engine too long
and risk running out of fuel, or sail very slowly. We opted to sail the
last 24 hours and it has paid off as we now have a small margin, if
the figures are correct could just make it to Bermuda with the engine although
given the shoaly nature of the area I am not prepared to risk it. Monday
afternoon and we have hoisted the mizzen to make the most of the light breeze.
Although 35 degrees off our course we are still heading in a northerly direction
and will make adjustments as the wind allows. The watch routine seems to be
working well, Sue and me on from 6 to midnight, and Joel and Richard
on together till 6 am, started mainly due to Joel's total
inexperience, with Richard he will learn very quickly.
Last night was very rough and
uncomfortable driving the boat to windward, the forepeak was very
noisy to say the least. Thanks to Sues sterling efforts the catering is working
out very well as usual. Nothing to report on the fishing front, we have
overhauled all the gear and do not anticipate any more losses due to equipment
failure, the only fish to come aboard have flown under their own
steam. Communication presents a little difficulty but also a lot of fun,
for example, the French way of teaching the bowline is 'serpent comes
out of the well, around the tree and back down again, while the English
use the rabbit and hole analogy. Funny lot the
French. Now at 27deg N
and 64W with 316 miles to go. Sun is shining, Joel just caught his finger in the
fridge, all ok. Manny.