48 42N 23 56W - 18 July
Dearloves
Tue 18 Jul 2006 17:07
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We thought the previous night was bad! Three reefs
in the main, a tiny jib and we were still doing between 8 and 12 knots with a
gusty force 7 northerly howling through the rigging. A big, unpredictable
sea came at us, usually from abeam. The word "horrid" was the description
of the conditions in the log. We can only conclude that all the emails we are
receiving about a heatwave in Blighty are a conspiracy to get us to come home,
as it just seems to be getting colder and colder and greyer and greyer, the
closer we get.
Being less than 100 miles south of UK latitude I
suppose we should expect to say goodbye to the perfect blue seas and warm clear
nights, but what a rude awakening. Thermal clothes abounded as the waves crashed
over the sides of the cockpit drenching us all. Our wet weather gear had
its first proper test of the trip and we really appreciated our full face
waterproofs. The cabin soon resembled the aftermath of a kiddies
bathtime water fight with clothes and other debris scattered
everywhere.
This is the first time that we have had three reefs
in the mainsail. The cold air is denser and heavier than warmer winds of
the same force. Nevertheless, Keoma has done well, with the autohelm easily
coping with each spinning wave and blast of wind. The birds don't seem to
mind, though. We have been surrounded by shearwaters despite that we are
over 500 miles from the nearest land. They are very interested in our lure
(more so than the fish!)
The great rectangle route that we have taken is now
paying dividends. If we had not proceeded 500 miles due north before turning the
corner we would be fine reaching in to this wind. It is now just aft of the beam
so life below is feasible; although Alice's chuckometer is scoring
highly. Over the last 24 hours we travelled 180
miles.
The Isles of Scilly are now 660 miles but the
forecast is for the wind to die on Wednesday before filling in with a light
NW'ly. We are now heading directly for them and should be there in
four days. Last night we felt a long way from home.
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