ARC - Day 9
Rainmaker
Donald Macdonald
Tue 1 Dec 2020 15:08
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Position 21.52N 40.10W By distance
gone over half way. We have done 1493 nm over the ground with about 1300 nm to
go.
What a difference 24 hours makes. We have had steady
winds for 24 hours midday to midday in the 12-15 knots range vary in direction
from 100 - 130 degrees steadily tooing and froing. The spinnaker has now been
flying 30 hours bar a mishap last night. The foot of the sail caught the bow
push pit during a lapse in concentration after midnight allowing it to collapse
a little low the foot tape tore itself from sail about 2 meters. Harold was put
in charge of steering whilst spinnaker doused and brought to deck for repair.
Fortunately we were able to not get foot wet so got this in to the cabin and
used up all the spinnaker tape onboard to facilitate the repair which John did.
Meanwhile, I investigated how the foot caught on the push pit and have carried
out some modifications with soft foam and tape so if drops again will slide up
over the 2 offending protrusions. The wire strop 2 hold the 2 push pit
parts together securely has been undone and taped down out of the
way.
The wind has now got up regularly touching 20 knots.
Seeing the sea makes it easier to steer. We have just put a reef in the main to
find out if makes the big knock offs easier to get back, as I write this at the
chart table it does not feel like it. According to how we feel before it gets
dark and the squall activity we can see is to whether we drop the
spinnaker.
Yesterday was also a trying day with the heat and no
clouds, better today as clouds but does mean squalls and John has been drenched
twice. No doubt my time will come.
Other jobs yesterday was to re-stock the biscuits,
chocolates, sweets and squash. Should give another few days of easy access
snacks and drinks.
This evening dinner will be Heinz Big Soup Beef and
vegetables, hot baguette, cheddar cheese, then peach slices in
juice.
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