20 Nov - Day 4 Position at 16.00 hrs 25:42.6N 017:26.70W
Imagine Of Falmouth Online Log
Jon Constantine
Tue 20 Nov 2007 17:05
Since last night we have been banging into a headwind right on the nose and were not even pointing at Antigua. If we continue on this course for 3 weeks, we'll more likely end up in New York or Nova Scotia. Do they serve rum punches there?
At 20.30 hrs last night we tacked away from the African coast and headed west on a course of 288 deg. About the best we could make with the wind from the south west. The alternative was to keep running down the African coast of Mauritania towards the Cape Verdes but that would be putting us too far east.
Two exciting incidents in the night. Firstly, we had heard a report on the VHF from one of the other Rally boats of a large metal object in the water. About 2 meters across. I took the position and entered it on the chart plotter. Oh great, we are heading roughly for it and should be there in 2 hours when it will be dark. I set a course to leave it to the west of us as I figured it would be drifting west with the prevailing current. It's disconcerting to know there is something floating about but you don't know quite where.
Next, the AIS radar showed a merchant ship coming our way and it was going to be close. Like the last time, I called him up and asked what his intentions were. He nonchantly told me he would be going round our stern and the AIS duly showed him changing course by just 4 degrees.
By now the wind had increased and at least we could turn off the engine and sail, albeit in the wrong direction. The rest of the night was uneventful if somewhat bumpy as the wind was beginning to knock up a swell.
The day dawned bright and sunny with a brisk 15 kts of breeze and we are heeled over to an angle that sees us staggering about like drunkards as we reach for handholds. I have had to start peeing like a girl 'cos I can't do it standing up. I'll have to give that up when I get to New York!
Our nice friends in the weather forecasting office tell us its a blip and in another day or two (ha ha) the wind will swing round and go back to it's usual habit in these parts of blowing from the NE. Roll on Thursday I say.
No picture today I'm afraid. The camera won't keep still. Better luck tomorrow. Oh and you know about these big fish you are supposed to be able to catch in the Atlantic? Well, they've either emigrated or we're using the wrong bait!
'Til tomorrow....
Jon and Sam
PS - Thanks cousin Ian for your text, good to hear from you. Hope you and Roz are keeping well and looking forward to the big day. - Sam