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Webster - Log 19: From the ridiculous to the sublime



Monday 9th December: Position 14 54'N 39 45'W. Hitting the key to send yesterday's entry was a master stroke. At 0600 the wind turbine started making a very unfamiliar nose whirring away there - yes, wind!! Sails up and engine off at 0610 after some 16 hours motoring, all of 8 knts NW which came more north and picked up to 15 knts and in no time were romping along at 7-8 knts boat speed under white sails and not yet light! We were concerned this was only a squall effect as there was a bit of rain about and plenty of squall cloud formations but no, it seems we have gone through the wind hole early and this seems set fair - we have been doing between 6-8 knts now all day and night knocking loads of miles off to destination. Not only that but the sun came out as well so we have had a day and a night of true trade winds sailing, 10-15 knts of breeze, warm winds, sparkling seas and long ocean swells, glorious.

The mood in the camp was very different today compared to yesterday now that we are moving as we should. Jerry was even reading his tourist book on St Lucia which said it all, and talk returned to our sweepstake on arrival dates. The 16th seems an optimistic but possible date and as Jerry had chosen this as the most conservative amongst us we have decided that whatever the arrival date is he can buy the drinks. He has happily agreed to this so please all readers, bear witness to the fact!

Albert and I were on watch this evening from 2200 to 0200 in a perfectly clear sky and half moon. I decided to hand steer for a couple of hours and followed a perfect yellow brick road of moon light, just steering at the moon. Wonderful. Well, at least until one in the morning when I was sitting there minding my own business and CLUNK, something smashed into the back of my head - it was a flying fish! Must have been 2 kgs at least - well maybe not, but it came as a shock let me tell you.

That's it for today, a day of returning optimism and great sailing. Spirits high.

Charlie - Webster

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