Moving on Again

After the gale passed over us, a high moved in and we were becalmed. Not being sure where the wind was and having over 1200 miles to go until we reach the Azores, we couldn't just turn on the motor and start looking for wind, so we bobbed. We moved a total of 9 miles during that day.

In the evening, during our chat with Herb, he advised motoring north for 90 miles to get above the high pressure system. We motored through the night and after only 40 miles a westerly wind let put out our genoa on a broad reach and shut off the engine. Since then we have been making on average 6 kts. = good progress.

Branko

It Was Quite a Night!

After talking with Herb,the weather guru that I have mentioned before, we did as he suggested and headed northeast to cross the approaching cold front. He said we could expect 25kt winds. We got 40 - with foaming seas! I was broad reaching with a tiny scrap of jib out and triple reefed main out on a preventer when the wind suddenly increased and tripped the Cape Horn, our wind pilot, and the boom crash gybed. Thank goodness for the stretchy nylon preventer because there was no damage to the rig and we ended up hove-to, which is how we stayed for the duration.

It was our first time in winds like that and I can tell you it was scary not knowing if it was going to get worse, listening to the howling wind increasing in intensity, and looking around at the building seas and foam blowing off the waves. It made me truly feel like the tiny speck that we are out here in this vast ocean.

The boat fortunately took care of us and herself. The crew were all brave and we actually had fun after a while listening to the howling wind and telling stories to pass the time.

During the day, while we waited for the seas to mellow and the wind to turn, I had to disassemble the wind turbine because the fishing line got caught up in it - big job, don't ask. Most of my time is spent sleeping, reading, looking for things that need fixing and fixing.

Anne Maggie, Sophie and I are having a grand time despite the occasional screw ups and terrifying moments.

We are now motoring north to get above a high pressure ridge that will carry us westward.

My Best Birthday Ever

This is day four and we are about 350 miles away from Bermuda. We have had some fantastic sailing over the past couple of days and are trying to stay out of the path of a low pressure system. We are looking for an opportunity to make some northerly direction.

Even though there is not a lot to do out here, time flies. I opened some birthday gifts, we had a beer and some potato chips - all in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks to Maggie and Anne for being here with me to share this special day.

Branko