France Passage Day 7

Starcross Fair Log
Ross Wilson
Wed 25 May 2011 12:55
Wednesday 25/05/11
1200UT Position 44:37.7N
18:34.2W
Distance run 1200 - 1200UT:
106NM
1200UT COG 050M, SOG 4.8kts, wind
004M 18 - 20kts, baro 1028 rising slowly
1200UT Temperatures: Air 19, Sea
?
Intention: to sail to
France (Camaret 657NM)
We have decided to head for the Brest
area of north west France, probably Camaret, sadly missing out Portugal and
north west Spain principally because of the strong northerly winds forecast for
those areas. Northern Spain with a detour round the strong winds would be
possible but uncertainty over future weather conditions and the similar
distances involved contributed to this decision.
After motoring most of yesterday
afternoon and evening, we were able to continue a northerly course under sail
from 2300UT until 0500UT when the wind suddenly increased and veered to the
north at over 20 knots. With 3 reefs we are now making best to windward in
a north north easterly around 18 knots which we expect to continue for the next
36 hours. From 46 degrees north, 170NM away, we should be able to
free off and shape a more direct course in the direction of Brest.
In addition to yesterday's memorable
whale sighting, in late afternoon we passed another turtle making its lone
journey across the ocean. Supper was a superb chicken and potato curry,
and today's culinary success is 2 baked loaves of bread, one granary and one
white.
We look forward to the wind and swell
becoming more comfortable!
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