We have continued to track West over the last 24hrs with a daily run of 188NM . Ceilidh is now approximately 500NM from land as we head to St Lucia currently along latitude 23N.

We continue to have NE F5/6 winds with plenty of sunshine mixed in with some squalls from cloud cover.

The winds and weather look to be settled in our area for the next 3 days, thereafter the winds look much lighter and more variable so if any of our armchair navigators can provide details of the synopsis for 7 days ahead in mid Atlantic then that would be very helpful.

We have either passed or been in close contact with 4 yachts all who were heading in a more Southerly track than Ceilidh, we are not able to sail directly down wind with around 150 True wind angle our maximum.

Having re-read Jimmy Cornell’sWorld Cruising Routes for the Atlantic crossing a couple of interesting facts come to light.

Christopher Columbus completed his original crossing from the Canaries in 21 days by routeing to 20N and then heading West ( go South till the butter melts style navigation).

The awkward and lumpy swell is also mentioned due to the changing direction of the trade winds, very much what we are experiencing right now!

Life on board:

Neil has completed todays plank session with a time of 3 minutes and 36seconds and is waiting for a challenger.

We are organised in 3 hour watches with 2 persons on each which is working well overnight.

The meals onboard have been superb despite being cooked in difficult conditions and we are fortunate to have a well stocked freezer in addition to a fridge.

We celebrated St Andrews Day with a beef stew followed by chocolate custard and mango!

 

Dave Sturrock