40:33.69N 010:43.25W

East of the Iberian Basin

29/08/13

02:15 UTC

 

So following on from the previous blog post about the winds getting lighter.... they didn't. According to the weather grib files that were up to date, we were not only meant to be through the worst of it, but we were only meant to see a maximum of 28 knots. Since the last post the breeze had increased, at one point having an average wind speed of 33 knots. The maximum gust seen on deck was 48 knots (not even joking...). We had nice big rolling waves of 8-10 metres in height with breaking tops. This has made for average conditions, and promoted the idea to head inshore for some lighter airs.

 

Before night fall a bit of play was noticed in the top end bearing of the rudder post, the problem swiftly isolated to the fact the bolts were not even tightened fully, and therefore fixed swiftly. Will be keeping an eye on it in the next few days though.

 

So yeh, happy to be seeing the back end of the breeze. We have had a consistent 18-25 knot breeze for the last few hours, but with the built up swell from earlier still to roll around on. Still sitting at 5-6 knots boat speed fully reefed down, so there must be a bit of breeze remaining. Should be 15-20 knots tomorrow.

 

Here's to a quiet night and a peaceful day tomorrow hopefully. 785 miles to go!!

 

Buenos Noches!