Portugal Passage Day 6
Starcross Fair Log
Ross Wilson
Tue 24 May 2011 17:38
|
Tuesday 24/05/11
1200UT Position 43:08.2N
18:55.0W
Distance run 1200 - 1200UT:
132NM
1200UT COG 350M, SOG 4.5kts
(under engine), wind 030M 2kts, baro 1029
1200UT Temperatures: Air 23, Sea
?
Intention: to be confirmed (Portugal
(Leixoes?) 380NM)
Following receipt of further gale
warnings indicating stronger winds to the west of the Portuguese/Spanish coasts
sooner than expected, including possible storm force in the Finisterre/La Coruna
areas, we turned north last night and are proceeding under engine between the 2
systems to around 44N 19W eta this evening. We expect the wind to fill in
from the south west as the "Azores High" continues its idiosyncratic
path, now to the south east. We will then decide where to head but
the Brest area of France is looking a possibility, a distance of
700NM.
We are enjoying a beautiful sunny day,
so far resisting the opportunity for a swim. Sadly we will miss out on
some Port tasting in Porto and the showers in Marina Coruna which were
the best experienced in the last 8 months! There are now regular ship
sightings and also a close encounter with a whale, possibly a Fin (amateur
identification from the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society's field
guide to cetacean species). This mammal, considerably larger than
Starcross, was heading directly towards us in a calm sea and
demonstrated knowledge of the Collision Regulations by turning to starboard
and passing down our port side at a distance of 5 metres, blowing every 20
seconds!
Hopefully we will be under sail again
by midnight as we now need to monitor fuel consumption
carefully. |