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Skyelark of London - Day 9, thoughts from mid atlantic.



Day Nine.

In the early hours we passed the half way mark on the great circle route. In terms of the 1330n miles mid way to destination St Lucia, just over 7 knots achieved on average. Given actual miles sailed of 1587, speed through the water has averaged 8.3kts. We are 2nd in class, and in the top third of the fleet including the race boys.

We have just set full main and cutter rig, all plain sail for the first time since we set off, and the first time we have seen true wind under 20kts - still a respectable F5. The first week saw average F6-7, 25-30kts wind and we had several spells of 30-35kts, F8. 2 reefs in the main by day, and 3 at night. Whilst not uncomfortable, we all welcome the smoother seas and the ability to move about with just a steadying hand instead of having to lurch around with a vice-like grip on something solid.

We hear on the SSB net of steering gear failures, broken goosenecks and ripped sails. Skyelark has done us proud and we have come unscathed through a week of heavy weather. A credit to her designer, and of course the careful ownership of Dan ( and Em - who is someway behind in Great Escape)

Quote of the trip to date goes to one who shall remain nameless.."I have been watching my finger nails grow and they seem to be growing faster at sea than on land": clearly one underwhelmed by the power of the ocean and the majesty of the star filled heavens above that leave the rest of us in awe.

Our top recorded surf was 12.8knots.the helm goes light, the wash roars and 20T of boat surges forward..down the path of the moon light, or into the pitch black with no horizon and the bow hardly visible. With the wind far more southerly than usual for the time of year, and hence more of a broad reach than run, we have had more than our fair share of drenchings from spray and waves into the cockpit.

As we continue to astronavigate, we note the manufacturers have been fine tuning the satellite signal and the satellites' estimate of our position daily improves. On the technology side, the GRIB files have been fascinating. Not so good on actuals, but good for trends..we are sailing south to avoid frontal rain and a low with perhaps no wind. We hope to keep the wind on the bottom edge, whilst the boat ahead in classis going for the straight through the middle option. She is the beautiful classic yacht Peter von Seestermuhe.

The duty fishing and catering team have daily excelled, despite the weather. Lightly seared Dorado served in an orange jus on a bed of fridge-chilled crisp salad. A glass of Chablis from the cellar (bilge), we fancy the '06 vintage today. Fresh baked rolls and butter. We have enough flour for alternate day baking. Pity about having to sit lashed to the mast, dining with a spoon from a plastic dogbowl!

The second stage is likely to see reduced winds, more heat and the prospect of flying the coloured sails.to match the daily more dramatic sunsets. Sailing does not get much better than this.

Best wishes to all from today's author Gerard and the rest of the Skyelark crew.


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