Tuesay 4/12/07 2PM

So we took down the ParaSail and put up the Asymmetric. This sail has a furling system with which I have a love/hate relationship and Steve has a hate/hate relationship.  It is very difficult to furl in anything over 10 knots of wind we had to furl it in almost 20 and it was nearly impossible.  While wasting time with these spinnakers the wind went East again so we are now broad reaching with the Yankee and back to respectable speed.   My feelings have shifted from Love/Hate to I don’t ever want to see this RollGen system again.  Maybe part of the problem is that the furler may have stretched and it’s not stiff enough to grip the flogging sail. Maybe if we crank up the back stay it will be tighter. Maybe they can make a sock for it when we get to Valdivia. We had a sock made for it in St Martin but it is hopeless.

Tuesday 8PM

We took two reefs in the Yankee so the ride would be smoother for cooking and eating dinner.
It did smooth out and the boat speed remained nearly the same. The dinner was the third and last from the Dorado that didn’t get away. Next time we slow down we’ll start fishing again.

We’ve had a Sea Hawk buzzing us for the last few hours.  Maybe he’s looking for a free ride.  There is still no sign whatsoever of any other craft out here.

Wednesday 8AM 5/12/07

Great run last night. 25 knots of   wind just behind the beam.  What more could we want?  The last 12 hours made 108 miles and we’re on course for a 24 hour run distance record even with messing about with the spinnakers yesterday which cost us quite a few miles.  Health and Safety has issued the night watch with AFFPDs (Anti Flying Fish Protection Devices) see photo attached.   Unfortunately it was an after the event issue as we seem to be out of the FFZ for the moment.

No sign of the promised squalls.  They must be further South.

Noon:  Noon to Noon run 218 Miles averaging almost 9 knots in spite of time and distance lost with Spinnaker shenanigans. Our previous best was 216 miles a couple of days out of Plymouth en route to Gibraltar. I will do a 16:00 to 16:00 check to see what 24 hours in these conditions can with without spinnaker distractions.