20:35.65N 21:17.57W 

 

Date: Saturday, 27 November [05:30 UTC]

 

We have not used our engine at all (apart from charging the yacht’s batteries) since the start of the race last Sunday, unlike the majority of the yachts in the cruising division.

We are however becalmed 300 miles north of the Cape Verdes Island and effectively 3 days behind schedule. Much to our disappointment, the engine has now been started and we have been motoring for 3 hours.

 

We plan to motor due south until we get a better handle on the weather systems as they appear to be screwed up and the trade winds have not appeared at our latitude.... We may have to refuel in one of the Cape Verdes islands before heading across the Atlantic. We are currently heading towards the largest of the Cape Verdes: Ilha De Santo Antao.

Time-scales are going to be tight for those of use who have flights booked between the 14/12 - 18/12.

 

Anyway, Messrs Mike and Jimmy got ‘stuck in’ to resolving a few issues with their personal toilet (or ‘heads’ in yacht terminology). Much of Friday was spent stripping down the pump and piping only to discover that the inlet tube and valve assemblies were totally blocked with calcification. Skipper Ivan was pleased with the job, however, had he being paying the crew an hourly rate, there may have been cross words. The ‘heads’ were re-commissioned by Jimmy after evening dinner who seemed happy with the end result. During this period, the rest of us retired to the cockpit..... not sure why, but the fresh flowers wilted shortly after.

 

Having finished reading 3 novels and completing 32 crosswords, Dermot decided that it was time for some fishing! Skipper Ivan’s new rod and reel were unveiled and a ‘special’ lure was professionally tied to the line using a very complicated looking ‘granny knot’. Over the side the lure went and we all sat back waiting for Dermot to catch the ‘fish of the day’, which would have been prepared for the evening dinner. Unfortunately, Dermot didn’t attract any nibbles and no fish were forthcoming. He defended his position by stating that he was normally very lucky when it came to catching fish, but that he didn’t have his lucky bear with him on this trip.

 

Dinner was prepared by Dr Joe and Dermot and we all enjoyed a hearty concoction of mince, cabbage and potatoes washed down with a selection of fine wines (LIDL??)

 

Kind regards,

 

Skipper Ivan and the rest of the crew.