In the groove.....
Samaritan
Tim Vaughan
Sat 22 Jun 2019 20:47
I’ve actually been helming for a few hours today mainly to make sure that the boat has the right sail configuration and doesn’t become too overpowered in these ideal sailing conditions. We’ve had between 20 and 30 kts with 2-3m waves all day with a few squalls along the way to keep us on our toes. As ever, we’re sailing as deep downwind as we dare and I’ve settled for 2 reefs in the main and a third of the headsail furled away. 1 reef in the main was exciting but needed me to helm and we were in constant danger of rounding up, especially if we got turned into the wind by a big wave (Martin, Bob, Billy, Simon, Jane et al will know exactly what I mean - very reminiscent of the Middle Seas races of the last two years but without volcanoes to look at!)
Talking of looking at things, I’ve seen two birds and a couple of dolphins AND another AZAB boat on AIS, Shuna, 6 miles ahead on broadly the same course. We were berthed next to each other in Ponta. We had a nice natter on the VHF and compared notes.
Life on board is good but wouldn’t suit everyone. We’re on port tack for a change. I, and a few items, have had a number of unplanned trips across the cabin. Lunch was particularly entertaining. I fancied an egg mayo baguette so I hard boiled a couple of eggs. All was well until it came to making up the baguette. I put the hard boiled eggs in the sink to cool just as we were hit by a big wave. The eggs jumped out of the sink and ended up on the other side of the boat on my nav table. It saved me the trouble of cracking the shells. Evening meal tonight is reheated left over spicy chicken with a jacket potato - hopefully easy to cook and dish up.
What else can I bore you with?
I must be used to the boat noises as the tunes are back on. I’ve gone for a good old shuffle of everything on the iPad. I never realised I had such a shit record collection!
The wind generator has leapt back into life today - it’s generated naff all this leg so far. With me helming and the solar panel, we’ve been self sufficient so far today.
Three weeks ago today we had just started the first leg - doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun. Important to enjoy every minute of the 700 miles left, as they too, will soon be over.
I think that’s about all for now, I’m going to download the latest weather files and decide where to go next. I could always follow Shuna as they seem to know what’s they’re doing......
Am struggling for a photo today so I’ve gone for a picture of my egg mayo baguette safely located back in the sink!
