Sunbird - Sunbird Log 1

27th November 2008We thought we had better let you know how we are all doing on Sunbird. Our decision to head south towards the Cape Verde Islands may well have paid off.On our first full day at sea we celebrated Gordon's birthday with champagne and chocolate cake. Now Colin is no longer the oldest crew-member! That was not the only excitement of the day as the spinnaker pole broke away from the track and we spent a while making repairs which slowed us down. Eating well (thanks to Amanda) and sleeping when we can, only Gordon and Colin can't seem to keep their wine in their glass as they keep spilling it And they only get one glass a day!It's getting warmer by the day making night watches more comfortable.At the moment Dave holds this trips speed record of 14.7 knots - but not for. read more...

Sunbird - Sunbird Blog 2

Saturday 29thNovember Another day closer to St Lucia andspirits are high. We haven?t seen a boat for days but we have seen a shark andalthough nobody believes them, Steve and Fiona saw a bat on nightwatch! We had a calmer night last night andwere able to enjoy a gin and tonic at sundown, which was pure luxury with iceand lemon (cheers Bill), and a lovely clear night followed with many shootingstars spotted. The night sky is spectacular and it is now warm enough to kip inthe cockpit which Liz and Fi did last night. Today was washday and the boat lookedlike a Chinese laundry junk. It did dry quickly though! Although some people didget shouted at at the helm for doing their best to get it wet again. No guesseswho that was then! We had to make some repairs to thespinnaker today but Steve and. read more...

Sunbird - Blog 3

1st December 2008Nearly half way across the Atlantic and just had our celebration roast dinner. How many people can say they have had roast lamb and all the trimmings in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean?Last night we celebrated St Andrews day with Haggis neaps and tatties, and Colin addressed the Haggis in his make-do kilt! What a sight at sea!Dinner was followed by a long tiring night at the helm as we went through several squalls. It really was "all hands on deck"!Basil is hanging on in there, but after tying him on deck yesterday having found him suffocating under plastic bags in the galley we proceeded to drown him in the midnight squalls!!!. we know this because we found him wilting in the midday sun! He is now stable but criticalSally Ann we hope you're reading this? LOL!If. read more...

Sunbird -Blog 3

3rd December 2008Weather has changed with light winds and rain. ETA seems to be getting later and later. However life on board is never boring!Yesterday we caught a Wahoo after changing the lure. She was huge and Steve brought her in beautifully with the help of Dave. The poor sod died happy though after Liz handed over a bottle Bacardi to pour down its gills.    (If I flapped around on deck would they pour gin down my throat?) So it'll be fish for breakfast, fish for lunch and fish for dinner for the foreseeable future! We have also had a few flying visitors come aboard the first being a beautiful white Egret type bird we affectionately named "Harry the S**te Hawk" due to the fact he s#$t every bloody where! He hitched a ride with us for 24 hrs then thought better of it after we thought. read more...

Sunbird - Blog 6th Dec

December 6thA much calmer morning after three days of squalls They have come from all directions, behind, the side and we've even sailed into them. We all gave up trying to dry off in the end as it was easier to just stay wet. The boys didn't seem to mind though when an early morning squall turned Amanda's PJ's see-through! We have the spinnaker repaired like new after a day of sewing. It was a toss up between helming in the pouring rain or sewing sails. Colin and Liz ended up being the drowned rats! Colin's baked potato and beans swam around his plate as he tried to eat his lunch, but he never complained.. he was more worried about diluting his wine!!!!!We are getting low on rations now and the tea bags are getting several dips! We have a choice of cornflakes, cornflakes or cornflakes. read more...