36:27.002N 69:28.480W

Friday May 17, 2013 11:30 am

Tough Day and a rougher Night

I am talking about yesterday and last night. I could not write yesterday since our hands were full and our minds in survival mode; no time for idle chat. As predicted the remnants of the storm that delayed our departure kicked up heavy winds and high seas which we eventually ran into during the day and last night. It was blowing 25-30 knots with gusts higher and the seas were wild with 10-12 ft swells and breaking waves which washed over Traveling Light with some frightening frequency. We took three reefs in the main and just left a little spit of a jib ahead but could not slow the boat in the face of a constant blow. The wear and tear on the boat was quite substantial and the crew just about had it with being tossed around all the time. We had to come off course and head into the wind with the help of engine power to slow down the boat. This of course meant losing valuable time and distance for about eight hours. Finally the wind started to moderate and settle at around 20 knots which allowed us to start sailing again with half way decent a measure of comfort for boat and the crew alike. Now we are about 25 miles away from our point of entry into the Gulfstream; we are sailing under clear skies, moderating seas and yes light airs. Why can we not have something in between total mayhem and 8 knot winds. We estimate to be in the “Stream” around 5 pm and exit it early tomorrow morning after that it is only about a 200 mile stretch left to the City, little over a day’s sail. We hope to be home by Sunday and we are looking forward to the occasion. But now our minds are occupied with the task ahead, crossing the Stream; let’s hope there be no Dragons there...