Elusive Equator 00:19:45N 88:05:71W

Zipadedoda of Dart
David H Kerr
Wed 20 Feb 2008 10:10

It has been a truly dreadful trip so far, with some of the slowest passage times EVER!

 

WE even consulted the Crapometer to see what it could tell us on weather developments.

 

 

AS you can see the rain squall are many and varied. Last nigh/this morning we ran into a F7 to F8 gale for a good 5 hours. Crew was not a happy chappie I can tell you. But at least we were sailing. But at speeds of only 2 to 2.5knots SOG with a deep reef in the Clyde Cruising Club Burgee.

 

Meanwhile back at the Crapometer, its current prognosis is at the penultimate level. “Total Crap”. Lets hope it does not go all the way because I will not be able to put that one in print!!

 

WE are now back to motoring and deliberately staying north of the equator. The boats that crossed it early all ran into massive 3 to 4 knot counter currents. So far we are enjoying a 1 knot counter current. 146nm to go to Academy bay and I estimate we will (hopefully) arrive on the 21st, but if we do run into a counter current then this will slip to the 22nd, as we do not have enough diesel to power ourselves hard against that.

 

So its back on with the foul weather gear and into the washing.AKA the cockpit.