Well on our Way Across Biscay
The Voyages of Fujin II
Stuart & Elizabeth Milne
Sat 18 Jul 2015 00:32
We departed Camaret at 0700, on schedule and motored out into a F4-F5 wind from the SW, heading towards the Raz de Sein which is know for its strong tides, navigational challenges and fierce overfalls. High tide was at 0640 local time so we were able to take advantage of the ebb for a fast start.
The overfalls at the Raz de Sein were pretty rough even in the settled weather we had - I'd not like to go through them in bad weather!
We had all sails out (full genoa, staysail and main) after setting a 220 degree course for Cape Finisterre, the NW corner of Spain. First time on this trip sailing without engine, so all the crew was happy. I had 10.0 knots speed through the water on my watch but was bested by Richard and Patrick who got to 10.2 knots.
It's now 0220 boat time and I have just come off watch, leaving Richard and Patrick on deck. We now motoring again as the wind has died and veered. The forecast is for winds to come back later in the morning so hopefully more sailing.
The yacht is performing well - I'm amazed at how quiet she is below deck when sailing at 8 to 10 knots. It's a strange sensation to be sailing fast but in almost total silence!
A couple of issues have arisen so far - the electric starter on the cooker has failed so we are back to analog... matches aclquired in Camaret. The wind readings on our instruments are also off - there seems to be some calibration issue. And a problem with the log wheel which we'll need to have looked at in Palma.
Crew are all in good spirits and adapting to the new watch system. Kez served chili and rice for dinner - rather to his own amazement, I think!
