ARC - Day 1
Rainmaker
Donald Macdonald
Mon 23 Nov 2020 15:34
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Day 1 was very busy at sea and tiring.
The beat initially from the start was fine then the wind
got lighter and by 6pm was just 3-4 knots in a lumpy sea. Still being very close
the land meant always checking COG to ensure not heeding for the rock outcrops.
We were have a tussle with Escapardo with their crew of 8. Just after dark we
decided to try the Code 0 as wind was backing and to get any speed we were going
east for a while. The sail worked and started to open up the gap. About 2am the
wind started to increase and we were able to clear the island with wind veering
we took it for while then gybed to ensure we did not get any wind shadow.
The wind increased to 20 knots with 14-15 apparent. Then it happened, the
shackle on the Bowspit pole broke letting go of the sail. First just going up
about a meter being held on the furling line and had gone up to windward, the
feeder on the bow then broke and snapped the elastic at the stern holding the
furling line in place. LOUD SHOUT and banging of feet to get John out his bunk.
About 10 minutes later all calm, jib out. The Code 0 has damage but until a less
wind day will not see if we can fix it. Code 0 not normally great help in this
race.
In the light wind area after the start most yachts in
the cruising division motored south to the wind. Swallows and Amazon went by us
at 8 knots and I saw the helm being brought drinks from the forward cabin area.
What a different world.
Since then we have been doing 7-8 knots regularly, too
lumpy to fly kite and we are hand steering as massive 'S'ss' and almost gybing
us. Presently on 2 hour stints during day and 1 this evening.
WE were planning to route north once around Gran Canaria
as forecasts had big areas of no wind, today they are not present, therefore we
plan to go direct route and amend later if required.
Hot on the boat already shorts and t-shirt maybe a
fleece 4-6 am.
John saw his 1st flying fish.
Little over the 1st 24 hours completed
156nm.
Dinner this evening with be Beef
Vegetable soup, cheese, baguette and then sliced
peaches.
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