Tuesday 2 Dec. We have done it. No, not made it to St. Lucia, not even
made it half way. But we've more than passed one full week at sea and
started December. There are vague promises from the skipper that we will
not still be sailing come January. The weather has been beautiful, but
the winds have unfortunately been on the light side much of the way so
far. We're still headed SSW and won't turn west until we reach the steady
trade winds. We can tell from the positions reported by other boats that
we're not alone out here looking for the trades.
We're eating well, taking turns with the cooking duties. We are coming
near the end of our fresh items. Carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, oranges,
onions and garlic are holding out quite well. And we've quite a variety
of canned items when the fresh food is done. Iain is threatening some
bread to help our second week along. We've also got the fishing line out
today for the first time. We've heard by radio that some other boats have
done well in that regard.
We had hoped for a three week crossing, but the slow winds make that look
unlikely now. We've got lots of music, and lots of books, but not that
much time to enjoy them as you would think. It takes up a surprising
amount of time for two of us to sail the boat, given our desire to get
sleep. There are not all that many hours out of the 24 that we're on deck
together. That also helps explain our tardiness posting a daily (for us,
weekly) log.
We've already voted our favorite piece of boat equipment. Hamish the
Hydrovane wind vane which steers the boat entirely by the wind alone, 24
hours a day most days. We're going to reward him in St. Lucia with a good
dose of lubricant.
Things are slow, but don't feel too sorry for us. It has been sunny and
warm every day, and grows warmer the farther south we go. For those of
you stuck in jolly old England, or New England, you might like the 28 -
29C daytime temps, and the sea is an incredible 30.7C today. I'll let you
all work that out in Fahrenheit so you'll have something to do to keep you
busy.
Thanks to all who have made this possible for us, family, friends, those
of you holding up work for us. We owe you all drinks (something we have
been missing, and plan to catch up on when we reach St. Lucia). Best to
all.
Andy