Atlantic Crossing 2015
Wishanger2
Brian Bonniwell and Claudine
Fri 25 Dec 2015 09:19
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14 00.0N 060 57.6W
Christmas day 2015
World Trip Atlantic Crossing
After departing La Gomera we had a good wind at first with large rollers synonymous with Atlantic sailing. After approximately 5 days the wind died so we decided to continue further south "until the butter melts"as the pilot book says. This course has changed little in the 500 years since Chrisopher Columbus first set sail from the Canary Islands. We had been having a good sail up to then but during the night the wind died completely so the engine was started for the first time. After only 15 minutes, there was an almighty shudder and the engine came to a grinding halt. It was dark and the captain was off watch and asleep. Instantly, we were all up. Peering over the stern our torch light revealed a huge trail of blue rope coming from under the boat. Who would have believed that in the middle of the Atlantic, and after only 15mins with the engine, our prop would become entangled in rope!! We discussed our options. Brian believed that it was unlikely that we could clear the rope at sea and that we should sail for the Cape Verdi islands, some 200 miles away, where we could anchor under sail and clear the prop. The boys, always game for adventure, felt we should try and remove it at sea but in daylight when there would be less likelihood of 'monsters from the deep' and after they had some sleep. Claudine suggested we might be able to use the scuba diving equipment which we had previously adapted so that a deck mounted air tank could feed a mouthpiece on a long hose. This would have to be undertaken with extreme care as neither boy had any previous diving experience. At first light Ben woke up refreshed and eager to get under the boat with Sam as a 'buddy'. There was stilll no wind and with the calm seas, the captain approved the plan. Down they went. A massive ball of rope enclosed the prop but with perseverance and the aid of the diving equipment and a sharp knife, Ben and Sam managed to cut it clear. The rope, encrusted with muscles, was hauled onto the deck to avoid being entangled around another unsuspecting prop. Well done to both of them. This started a trend and having proved thst any monsters were unlikely, over the next three days and still with no wind, we would stop the engine and swim off the boat, captain included, although not everyone at once and we did trail a floating line- just in case! The water was so warm and refreshing. Sam caught a Dorado and we had a welcome fish supper. The flat sea and warm sun was great fun for a few days. Claudine was pleased with the extra food as rations were looking tight with the lack of wind extending our ETA each day.. Eventually, the wind picked up but from a NE direction. We had motored South in search of easterly trades. This meant we were not sailing down wind for quite and the sea was very rolly and unpleasant. Further west, the seas became less confused and the wind became more easterly. We were able to set our downwind twin headsails. We still had huge rollers behind us, which were quite spectacular. Unfortunately these large surfing waves eventually caused two breakages near the end of our crossing. The propeller blades of our Watt and Sea hydrogenerator sheared off after coming into contact with the wind vein rudder (note nurse Claudine's spelling!). The vane also broke off and was last seen descending to the sea bed some 4km below us. We then had to rely on the auto helm. These incidents always seem to happen at night - usually when the captain has just got to sleep. Our approach to St Lucia was not as expected. A heavy rain squall soaked us in torrents of warm water, and ahead we could see the partially obscured island. After the associated gusts of wind, the squall passed and at 1400 hrs local time (1800 back home) on Christmas Day, we anchored in Rodney Bay. After a lovely celebration swim we sat down to Christmas Dinner of Melon with Palma Ham, Chilli and Profiteroles with choc sauce. Not traditional but nevertheless much appreciated and a credit to Claudine for preparing such delicious fayre after 18 days at sea. This was followed by a toast to us all, for our successful Atlantic crossing and a toast to all our family and friends, wishing them all a very Merry Christmas. |
