An Eventful Day!
Flyer of Lorne
Dave Sturrock
Thu 13 Nov 2008 11:46
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36:42.64N 0:43.88E
Wed 12 November, Days run 163NM
The wind gods must have heard our complaints from
onboard Flyer that the winds had been too light and we were running low on
diesel. From around 09:00hrs we received a strong blast of F6 from the WSW which
unhelpfully for our progress was bang on the nose ( dead ahead) once again.We
were just about abeam of Algiers at the time and around 20NM offshore. We put 2
reefs in the main and furled the Genoa down to NO. 2 size and proceeded to crash
into the approaching seas. The seas were confused and larger than expected which
really hampered our progress. It also seemed more like we were in a gale
although we were not. We did not seem to be able to get clear to windward of
Algiers by much. Although the log shows a much better day in terms of
miles they were not all in the right direction. Then suddenly around 00:30 the
wind freed off to the NE allowing us tgo reach at 7knots directly towards
Gibralter. Unfortunately we also found ourselves directly under a rapidly
forming electrical storm. This was much larger than those encounterd off Tunisia
and although the radar helped identify the size ( about 8NM wide) and
direction of travel we could not move quickly enough to escape it's clutches.I
had just come on deck to start my watch and was startled to see forkedl ightning
within 1 NM striking the sea. The weather had also turned much colder and there
was a torrwntial downpour ongoing, it felt like we could be nearly back in
Scottish waters! By keeping the centre of the storm just to the North we
were able to pass through unscathed, only to be met by another severe bout of
lightning ahead and to the South. I decided just to hold our course of due West
and make best speed of 7-8 knots. Fortunately by around 02:30 the skies
cleared and we had nearly a full moon lighting up the seas. Again I feel we were
very fortunate as it is impossible to predict exactly where lighting strikes may
come from and tghe fact we have a 65' mast put us firmly in the firing line.
Flyer had been taking a bit of a pounding as she was slamming into the Westerly
swell that was still running, we had a lot of leaks into the main cabin from the
electrical conduit through the deck which requires re-sealing. The laptop was
out of bounds in these conditions especially as I was in full oilies for the
first tiime in an age, therefore the blog update is a little later than
scheduled. The current forecast is giving N or NW F3-4 which will help our
progress greatly, we currently have 300NM to run towards Gibralter. We are
looking forward to a run ashore and stocking up on the all important food
reserves, we had allowed for going non stop from Malta so I am pleased to stay
we are still well fed. Although conditions onboard last night meant a quick meal
of hotdogs was the best option.
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