Winds 10 - 15 knots , from NE

Speed 5-7 knots. COG 310

Torn Mainsail

It happened: the mainsail has torn between the first and second reef. Now I can only use it with two reefs set. I guess it may add some days to the remainder of the voyage, but not much as reasonable winds are expected over the whole next 2000 miles.

When I set the second reef, in 35 knots gusting wind, I did not see any tear in the main. I cannot believe I did not notice that. So I think it must have been the weight of the water collected in the reefed part of the sail. The rain did indeed come off the main like a waterfall. I always tyhought the small reeflines in the sail were only there to prevent the reefed sail from flapping in the wind, if that did not happen they were more of a nuisance causing chafing. So I normally do not use them. Now I guess at least a ton of water must have collected there and with the movement of the boat that may have been too much for the 6 year old sail. Ah well after 50 years of sailing you still learn. The reeflines are now nicely tied! (the Dutch has a saying: when the calf has drowned, we close off the water hole).

The nice news of today: we have passed the equator! I offered Neptune a glass of rum as I did not feel very much like champagne in all these violent squalls. I guess Neptune was not very pleased with the rum. Promised you will get a part from that champagne bottle when it is opened!

Also the ITC has finally eased. AT 1 degree North when a rainfront passes only marginally more wind gusts and the rain is no longer  a waterfall. The average wind is about 11 knots, but i guess in one day time we will have a bit more wind.

And we are nearing the halfway point, still 20 miles to go and then we are in the middle between Saint Helena and Saint Maarten (would there be an appropriate saint for this place?)

So all in all: good spirits on board Stamper, have a nice day you all.

Pelagie: als jullie de positierapporten niet meer op prijs stellen (afstand 800 mijlen tussen ons), geef maar een gil.