The night begun wonderful with 15 knots wind giving a nice speed to
continue gathering some mileage. At 00:30 the wind constantly increased.
At 02:30 it hit us, we were gibed! 43 knots gust, too much for comfortable
cruising. The wind was cont’ blowing with 35 for several hours. We could
not any more point to our target heading, as now the wind was on our nose.
If this would have been all, we could focus on how to proceed in our
rally. A huge deep is in front of us, and as it looks we cannot really
escape. We try to go south, staying out of the red. During our fight with
the 43 knots we lost both Genakers. The Genoa, we repaired is back for
being repaired again. We hope it will make it to St. Lucia. Ones getting
to the trade winds we have the two spinnakers, which should be perfect for
the downwind sailing.
No lunch, no dinner, lots of sea water in the bilge from all those waves
hitting us when you just open the hatch.
What should we expect? Of cause more bad weather! The whole night we could
not get away from the deep pressure zone. It was a hot ride not fast, but
jump wise. Wind always between 30 to 40 knots, too much for the genoa
which would rather need a repair. This is again a challenge as someone has
to go up the mast and to grab the forestay. The genoa is tide there for
any reasons do not know yet. We just can open 40 percent. Not really good
to make some more mileage. We at least have to wait for some better
weather with lower waves.
Tomorrow will be an exciting day, we have to celebrate Brian’s 60th
birthday. The crew is looking forward to this event. We are sure it will
be one of those unforgettable Birthday party. Whoever wants to join this
party is herewith invited, but should bring with him his own beverages.
We keep going, waiting for spinnaker weather!
On behalf of the outstanding crew!
Manfred
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