37:49.2N 32:51.5W - Heading for the finishline at last.
Yellowdrama IV
Skipper/Crew: Blake and Clarissa Richter
Thu 24 Sep 2009 22:33
|
After a 2 and a half day bash towards the Southeast in strong
Northeast winds we finally reached the weak low pressure system that has been
sitting in our path to the Azores. The wind finally dropped to 10 knots
giving the crew a welcome break from life at a 45 degree angle! Eventually
the wind direction changed to the Southeast as the forecast said and we tacked
onto starboard tack and finally headed to the Azores. With a bit of luck
the sea will stay smooth tonight and the wind steady on the beam!
The change in wind direction was however accompanied by
numerous (but quite impressive) rain clouds so we all had our fair share of
soakings, watching the ominous clouds coming our way & wondering if they
would miss us or not and whether they would pass before each of us was due on
watch. Blake timed it particularly well, avoiding a particularly heavy
shower just 10 minutes before coming on deck. Jammy!
Today (Friday) was not without its nature sighting, with a
whale being spotted about 200m off the starboard bow. Close enough to see
it clearly but fortunately not quite as close as the previous encounter & we
had fun watching it drift slowly down our starboard side. Various
discussions emerged as to what sort of whale it was, with suggestions ranging
from humpback to minke. To be honest none of us are really experts &
we don't have the A-Z of whales on board so we are stabbing in the dark a bit,
but the general consensus seemed to be that it was probably a minke.
Something to do with the shape of its head apparently. We were just
pleased to see it & avoid it and admire its gracefulness.
The fishing rod was out again today but to no avail. The
combination of motoring & then having to throw overboard some rather
outdated oranges & bread led us to believe that the fish were more attracted
to orange sandwiches than to our plastic lure. Can't understand it
really. As we write there is an impressive lightning show going on outside
& the 2 on watch crew (Andrew & Steve) are being given romantic lighting
as they eat their dinner on deck in the dark. Tonight's menu is sweet
& sour pork is on the menu and smelling fab. We assume
you are jealous Mr Gray?! We have certainly eaten extremely well during
the trip and clothes do not seem to be getting any looser.
The 6 bumper boxes of US style soft choc chip cookies probably haven't
helped matters.
Due into Horta sometime on Saturday morning. It will
feel very strange sleeping stationery & being able to step ashore on
demand!
The Y4 Crew
|