ARC Day 6

 

Ceilidh has continued her magnificent charge downwind with another 8 knot average day for a 190NM run.

It is more rock and roll moves than Dashing White Sargeant as the swell has continued to throw in a very big roll which effectively gives us a speed wobble.

Another inspiring day of being at sea with some high speed but controlled surfing.

It is hard to describe the feeling of elation and sometimes trepidation as first the nose goes down as a wave grabs our stern.

Next the helm position is lifted around 4 metres as the crest of the wave passes beneath our hull and then Ceilidh accelerates down the wave front with breaking white water all around.

The roaring wake from the stern sounds like we are a power boat such is the speed and force.

The wind has shifted to ESE F5 which is perfect for Ceilidh to steer our course of 160M to St Lucia.

We currently have 2 reefs in the main although we have frequently had 3 reefs in during the past 24hours as we have had gusts of up to 36knots.

Our weather forecast GRIB file is showing slightly lighter winds from tomorrow with the same direction which will keep us tracking so that we will be at the midpoint of our crossing on Thursday.

We reached 1,000NM as by distance logged yesterday at 14:50 which was a great feeling.

There have been a few sightings of Flying Fish now which I would expect to become more numerous now.

We have not had the fishing rod out yet due to our speed and I am hoping to use this and the Sextant in the next day or two.

Now our 12 days of Christmas;

On the first day of Ceilidh’s ARC my skipper gave to me, a Force 7 and a heavy sea!

Only one day at a time readers...

I am currently lashed into the chart table and typing 1 handed so I will sign off now

A reminder that we are fundraising for the NSPCC and our ARC crew Paul Leighton has pledged to match the total we raise.

Here is the link http://www.justgiving.com/Ceilidh-of-Lorne

Dave Sturrock