The Gentle Atlantic
The Adventures of Allegria & Crew
Peter Lansdale
Fri 9 Jan 2026 13:38
Every blog henceforth will begin with a lat long in the format above, as at noon of the day of the blog ie where we are at noon each day.
Started off sailing down the east coast of Fuerteventura in a lively beam wind (ie wind coming from the side). Zooming along at over 7knts. Paul was our designated cook for the day and managed to rustle up a very delicious supper of garlic lemon salmon and roasted veg, so not sure why he never cooks at home!
At 6pm Peter was left on watch whilst Paul and Milla retired to get some shut-eye for the night ahead. The wind shifted aft and Peter single-handedly managed to take the main in and pole our the jib and genoa, all in the dark. So we are now sailing with no main and 2 poled-out foresails. Its very comfortable and quiet. The night was beautiful, with a bright moon from midnight onwards and sky-full of stars, a gentle following sea and a steady, if a little light, wind. At around midnight we were startled by a load blowing noise. It can only have been a whale! It seemed to follow us for around 10 minutes, blowing periodically, but then was gone. Sadly we were unable to see him (or her), but it was dark.
Today is significantly warmer than yesterday (already!) and I am writing this in shirtsleeves having started the day with 5 layers!
Peter and Paul have been working out how import GRIP files into PredictWind (basically weather data) to help with passage planning, whilst I (Milla) have managed to produce a fairly tasty loaf of bread! All sounds very gender stereotyped, but just playing to our strengths and interests!
So all is well in our world so far. More tomorrow.