35:17.632N 012:59.704W

Near the Ampere Seamount

31/08/13

17:40 UTC

 

After a slow morning sat at 4-5 knots the wind diminished a bit since the slight bit of breeze in the early hours. With a beautiful sunny day ahead everyone was in a good mood, albeit the restricted progress. After lunchtime the breeze started to fill and vary in direction. This caused us to pop a gybe in and then follow swiftly with another one an hour later.

 

Contact was made with Promarine UK in plymouth, our local engineers who service our engine and fitted the hydrogenerator. Advice was taken that what has happened doesnt sound good! Plan is to organise a tow when we get to las palmas at the moment and go from there.

 

The breeze built nicely to 15-17 knots, allowing so 7 knots of boat speed to be achieved, also in the perfect direction of Las Palmas! This has got the batteries charged back up again, however we are still trying to be economical with usage.

 

After a few hours of this we were joined by a pod of about 20-30 dolphins/porpoise (spelling?!?!)(they are both the same thing anyway). These stuck with us for 20 mins before heading off. The kite was doused in a building breeze, unfortunately it was not launched with the snuffer and was a bit of a handful at points. Letterboxed the kite in an orderly manner however. Now poled out and travelling at a snazzy 6 knots, however not in the ideal direction!

 

445 miles to las palmas... all are looking forward to a well earned rest and a cold beverage. ETA will be on the 3rd/4th.