Well that was a night and a half !!! At 01:30 last
night the spinnaker wrapped itself around the furler, the halyards curled
themselves around and around the sail and furling gear, which meant we were
unable to get it down at all in the dark.So we tied the clews to the deck, and
with half of the spinnaker still filling with wind we were still making a
very uncomforable 5 - 6 knts. At sunrise we were all up and after strong coffee
Bernar was hoisted up the mast on the topping lift, not ideal but the last
remaining rope available. Once aloft Bernar was able to untangle
the halyards and sail,not easy as there was quite a swell running at the
time.What a mission!!. Two hours later we had the spinnaker and Bernar down
if a little shaky, and just two small tears in the spinnaker which
were quickly repaired, we are sailing on with the spinnaker flying again
in 10 knots of wind.We don't need these problems 1500 miles out in the Atlantic
but thankfully the weather was kind to us and we are all well on board if
a little tired after a sleepless night last night.
We send our love to all our readers.
Paul Andy & De Talulahrubians.