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Webster - Log 7 - What a difference a day makes



Wednesday 25th: We have spent all night drifting around with no wind at all wondering if we will ever make progress. The weather information suggests its not going to get much better til the weekend maybe so we have been considering our options: we have Verdes 550nm to the south where if necessary we could refuel and re-provision but it is 4 days away at 5.5 knots under engine which would take all our fuel, but at least we would be out of this hole in the wind. As the forecast also suggests light winds in mid Atlantic it almost seems that we have little option but to go to Verdes and by 1100 the decision is made; on goes the engine and we put two hours propulsion in heading for Sao Vincent.

Came across Maurice in Habanera, a Hanse 342 and went over to say hello. He was pulling his hair out too. He was speaking with another yacht Blue Dolphin who had a water maker problem and he asked us to speak to them if we could help; the only help we could offer was fresh water should they be reliant solely on the water maker, but they were not. Has highlighted a problem we have receiving on our main VHF as ok with handheld.

At 1300 the SSB net chat showed that others were also considering their option to put into Verdes if this light weather continued, which was somewhat reassuring having come to that conclusion ourselves.

However, at 1330 the wind came in sufficient for us to sail again properly but was coming due south/south east - the way we wanted to go so on the nose. Stayed on port tack out to sea on a course of 260/270 almost pointing at St Lucia. As the day went on the wind built slightly and fairly consistent S/SW so we had a group discussion the conclusion of which was that we would lose more than we gained by heading for Verdes, still 4 days away, and to press on regardless - we have plenty food and water if we are careful with it. After all, we are a bunch of girlies so can change our minds!

Have been on port tack all night with consistent winds S/SW 10-15 knts making a course of between 240-270 at 5-6 knts. Personally I am so much happier with this decision and especially sitting here having had a night of creaming to windward in a beautifully balanced boat heading for our ultimate destination.

Were treated to some dolphins herding food at dusk, leaping some 8 feet out of the water - quite spectacular. What show offs! Carl did a star sight plan and executed at dusk managing to score three out of the seven possibles so we will have a go today to see how far the plotted position off the sextant comes to the GPS position at the time.

What a difference a day makes! Everyone very happy, and what a sail last night. Its why we do it!

Charlie - Webster

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