Sunday 6th July
As forecasted, the wind has increased throughout the
night to 25 – 30 knots. Some boats are reporting 30 to 40 knots, Annie is
feeling queezy. As the wind is now stronger and the seas are building
it’s now double watches; Ian and Alex, Stewy and Annie. The decision is
made to reef the main-sail late afternoon – still surfing down the waves,
occasionally hitting 13- 14 knots (Alex on the wheel!), but averaging 9 –
10. Annie manages to cook some pasta for the bolognese she prepared earlier but
by the time she’s serving it out can no longer look at it herself! Wave
heights have increased and there’s some huge crashers over the deck. At
3am a massive wave takes out the spray hood during Annie and Stewy’s
watch. They manage to save the hand held VHF and various other items but lose
Ian’s jumper, Alex’s swimsuit, Annie’s shorts and a Jus do it
hat! Stewy carries out a temporary repair with sail ties to hold the spray hood
in place. The life rings at the stern need to be re-attached and everyone’s
in their full wetty gear for the first time this trip. It’s a very black
and blowy night and a rough, but very fast passage!