36.20:46N 038.02:12W
Tioram 4
Tina & Tony
Mon 24 May 2010 16:36
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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
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