36.20:46N 038.02:12W

Tioram 4
Tina & Tony
Mon 24 May 2010 16:36
Date 24 May Time 12:39 boat time DTG to Azores 473 miles
 
Hello from Tioram
 
The blow from the NE has finally subsided a little after 30 hours. Although not a lot of wind having to beat into it made the boat quite lumpy and life on board a bit of a struggle. The course sailing was about 110 T which was about 25 deg off what was required to go to the Azores. So not too bad but could be better. At 9:30 am this morning the wind died a little and rather than sail the wrong way we started up the iron topsail.. So we are now doing 6.3 knots in the right direction with a forecast for the wind to go light over the next 18 hours. The reason for motoring is clear when you look at the long range forecast which has wind strengthening from Tuesday. Wednesday is up to 20 knots in the right direction with more on Thursday. Friday has a forecast of perhaps 35- 40 knots so we hope to be in to Horta by Thursday to ride it out. Hence the motoring now.
 
Life onboard over the last 24 hours was reasonably basic with the angle of heel making sleeping and cooking somewhat tiresome. The lads managed to rustle up chicken meat balls for dinner which given the effort was noted as commendable.
 
Excitement on deck at dusk as a whale was spotted very close to the boat. It looked over 40 ft long and had a large fin. It seemed to be taking quite an interest in us appearing in several places around the boat. In the end Tony started the genset just to let him know that we were inanimate and not to be "messed" with. Apparently we had a return visit this morning probably feeding time for whales. More dolphins and birds too made a interesting day on the wildlife front. 
 
Conversation is inevitably turning towards the pleasures of the land. Enquiries are being made about the possibilities of discos on Horta and sumptious salads. As no one on board has been there before your corrspondent feels it could be a bit of a let down. Tony is keen to meet up Lars and the Tindra boys before they move on. Tindra is a Swan 61. This is the boat that ordered 12 bottles of wine and was delivered 120 bottles in error and decided to keep them all!
 
The sun is out and its a great day for  drying the damp and salty. Rob, Tina thanks you for your birthday wishes but notes that your supposition about matron may be inaccurate.
 
Tina wins the prize again for services to watch keeping allowing John to stay in the warm under the sprayhood for almost a whole watch.
 
Cheers from Tioram