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Skyelark of London - Day 3 on Skyelark



Day 3, noon.

We are settling well into the watch system. 2 on watch, with 1 person joining and 1 leaving each hour, working 2hr on, 4 off, then 2hr on and 6 off. Little sleep, then big sleep! We are so glad the start was delayed.the few that set off (and several turned back) had 48hrs to windward. We were able to set off downwind, with 30kts+ of wind and they are only ½ a day ahead of us. We alternate between broad reach and poled out headsail with the wind further aft. At least 1 reef in the main and No3 Jib since we started, although thankfully the wind has eased to 20-25kts. Blue sky and fair weather clouds, after the first day of squalls and rain, this is more like the picture in the brochure.It has been interesting to have GRIB files via satcomms. We are juggling boat speed with VMG (ie speed towards destination St Lucia). What with watermaker for showers, a freezer, and a marinised PC with large screen display this is getting into technical yotting, but for the traditionalists we have already had the sextant out, with the plot suggesting GPS has a little way to go before it gives an accurate position! Skyelark is a delight to helm, with her long keel giving good directional stability. Although we have had the headsail twitch, and off course have a preventer on the main, no accidental gybes on this boat. Must stop, chocolate topped banana cake calls.

Wishing you all were here, Love Gerard and all crew.

25 39N 21 09W (1700 UTC)


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