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Merlyn III - Day 6 29 November



The daily routine has evolved quite comfortably. After breakfast David and I download various weather maps and Grib files. Unfortunately these have not made pleasant reading as basically the trade winds have disappeared under the baleful influence of a double depression. Our strategy has changed from sailing across the Atlantic to getting across the Atlantic . The trade winds are unlikely to be re-established until the middle of next week and in the meantime winds will be pitiful and in some cases Westerly. However, we carry around 1300 litres of fuel and we have a good engine. So far we have logged 43 engine hours and over the next four days we could well need to log significant additional engine hours to make any progress before we have any kind of reliable wind. In view of this we are making a pit stop to fill our fuel tanks (and water) in Mindelo in the Cape Verde islands. We anticipate doing this early on Saturday. Another factor which makes a stop in Cape Verde viable is that the trade winds look like being established at a much lower Latitude than normal; South of the Cape Verde rather than North.

After the weather fest, Iain and I play with the sextant, although today was overcast so we could not take sights.

Domestic arrangements on board are running smoothly with high standards of cuisine (tonight is rumoured to be black pasta with seafood). Fishing activity has yet to yield success, in spite of some attrition of both line and lures; with two serious bites that got away.

Two minor technical issues cured today. The Mastervolt control panel ceased to work ; however, following a conversation with Mastervolt, I was able to bring it back to life. Iain managed to revive our fuel gauge which, given our situation, is very convenient.

We also succumbed to a DVD last night, a French film called 'Tell No One'. I rather recommend it.

Christopher.

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