26:12.8N 16:30.8W Down the coast of Gran Canaria
Niord's Big Adventure
Tony Gratton
Mon 4 Dec 2023 18:06
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Sun 19 - Mon 20/11/2023 Atlantic Day
1
Distance run in 24h 140.5 nm. Atlantic distance 140.5
nm. Total distance to date 2070.5 nm.
The start line has to be crossed North to South.
Unfortunately for us the northerlies have deserted us and we have a wind from
the SSE. Niord crosses the start line towards the back half of the fleet, but
thankfully clear of any trouble. We had to fender up our anchors before leaving
just in case! Once clear of the start line we have to tack out into the bay to
get some clearance to head upwind. This takes us a couple of miles backwards! In
the light airs it takes us some time to make our way down the bay to the South,
dodging other boats and moored ships as we go. The wind dies to a F1, the sails
start to flog, so with some regret we turn on the engine and take in the Yankee
to make some progress. This allows us to leapfrog quite a few boats, though
increasing numbers apart from the racing boats, are starting to join
us.
As the afternoon wears on we follow the now familiar
East coast of Gran Canaria to the South in the company of the rest of the fleet.
The wind acceleration zone off the airport is non-existent. The lighthouse at
Masapalomas passes by to starboard as the sun sets, and we say goodbye to the
land for a while. It is very atmospheric. Our navigation lights go on and we
pass a beautifully starry night in the company of a half-dozen other boats. We
have to reduce speed to allow another yacht to pass across our bow.
Early the next morning the wind moves to the ENE,
allowing us to stop the engine and sail again. We have a chat with Ostara who
passes us, and they tell us they have taken a picture of us.
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