Natal to Trinidad
ratCATcher
Andre and Alison Stroebel
Fri 29 Jul 2011 12:24
We set off from Natal Yacht Club yesterday morning just before 06h00. We had decided the seas would never be flat enough for our liking so we were leaving. The weather forcast had, however improved.
The first 20nm or so were very lumpy and bumpy as we were heading directly our to the shelf where the water gets deeper and it was hitting us from the side. The wind was good and we were doing about 5 knots with just the head-sail up.
Iza had left about an hour before us but ratCATcher is faster on the water so we tend to catch up and pass them. We try to keep our speed down so we can stay within sight of each other.
As is typical of the area seas remained rolly through the night. The swell between 3 and 6 meters and a bit choppy, but by this time we had turned North and were running with the swell, the wind and the current. The current here runs at between 1.5 and 3 knots so we get some free speed.
We slowed down to about 3 knots in the night with a reefed jib to keep close to Iza and still made good progress.
The night is pitch dark at the moment with no moon so each swell and squall is a bit of a surprise. I watched one grow behind the boat until it was the height of the bimini right behind us. I thought the boat would do a a last minute bob over the top, butinstead the wave "bobbed" over us. :) Rushed up the sugar scoop and gave the cockpit floor a good rinse. Being permanently damp is one of the joys of wet weather sailing. :)
The sun rose on a cloudy overcast day and keeps trying her best to peek between the clouds but they are in no mood for sunshine today and smother her each time. We watch the squalls race up behind us, dump as much rain and wind as they can and then rush on to their next victim.
Other than the most irritating slamming which is now occuring, causing everything including us to bounce off whatever it is resting on we, are going well.
We will keep posting our position daily so you can watch our progress.
Love to all.
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