Xenial - Day 6 - Spotted

The day started with less than 100nm to Cape Verde but somewhat low winds, so early in the morning the sailing committee could be spotted on deck discussing whether our genaker could be sailed as a spinnaker. After much deliberations is was decided we should try it. Could it be done? Well, indeed yes! The sailing committee was enthusiastic about the results and the trimming committee lead by Gustaf took over operations, creating the full time position of genaker sheet trimmer (Bobo, Janne and CJ were all spotted in this role).
The spotting committee was tasked with monitoring the constant movements of the sail, and with checking that no other boats were copying our unique tactics. Oddly enough we found ourselves off the beaten course, so the spotting committee redirected their efforts to wildlife observation. We were marveled by a turtle floating by, we were intrigued by a flapping fin that Janne identified as a swordfish, and we were ecstatic to be surrounded by over 50 gleeful dolphins at once! A honorable mention goes to the fly fish who have been spotted all along our course, and to the many that have joined us on deck at night.
With the sun close to setting, the crew could be spotted jibing and reconverting the genaker to its original purpose. For dinner chef Janne made some delicious kalops, which had never before been spotted at these latitudes. The crew was glad for a taste of home.
Do I spot anything else? Oh yes, it's a clean crew! The captain allowed everyone to take a shower today... mainly because he knew we were so close to being able to refill. Everyone is now sitting on deck hoping to spot the light house of Santo Antão.

But not so fast! Spotting the lighthouse was just the beginning...a while after, Bobo was called urgently on deck: He spotted Gustaf completely enveloped in the genaker, and the captain and Janne trying to push the boom and keep our sails in butterfly, with scarce success - apparently we were going backwards! After an impromptu and excited meeting of the sailing committee, the main sailed was rolled in and we were left approaching Mindelo with the genaker alone. Bear in mind that this is all hearsay, as I was napping below deck and was woken up by a lot of animated Swedish talking and running on deck, followed by a lot of laughter once the situation was resolved!

To be continued in day 7...

Over and out,
Mavi

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