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Beetle - Beetle - day 14



Getting into the quiet mood.

1007 miles to go - looking for the 1000 nm mark. Treating myself with a cold Coke and a mini Bounty.

In the confined waters of Denmark Skipper usual helms the boat. There is a little more space here midocean, so the autopilot has done a remarkable job - as well under sail as under engine. In the meantime the crew (Skipper and Mrs. Skipper) has been reading, cooking, maintenance, adjustments and watched a few movies.

We are experiencing some sort of jetlag. Our ships clock is on Las Palmas (UTC) time, but we are moving some 10-15 minutes further west each 24 hours. It' s getting later and later dark, and sunrise is later every morning. We will keep it that way - and look forward to weather reports and noon positions every day at 12 UTC.

Temperature in the saloon has risen to 31 degrees celcius - all windows are open, but with a wind force of about 2 knots - not much breeze is coming to cool our bodies, that are now only dressed in underpants. We are motoring, so the apparant wind is a bit higher. The ocean is oily - not much happening. We have been motoring for 24 1/2 hours straight.

A little frustration has hit us. In the first week we had plenty of wind - more than we needed. In the last week we have had less wind that we have needed - and have not been able to achieve hull speed, not even with the genakker.

Yesterday we had some VHF conversation with a cargo ship who kindly called us on the radio. We had seen her for a while - visibly and on AIS. CPA was changing between half a mile and 0! We had a big red genakker up and the ship informed us that she would change course to starboard - and pass us aft of our stern. We acknowliged the information, which we repeted and thanked the captain. Afterwards the ship changed heading by 30 degrees and passes us approximately 1/3 mile behind us. Her original heading was 14 degrees - so she is plowing northwards through the ARC fleet.

We also had a handful of dolphins visiting - which was only the third time since Las Palmas. In the morning Skipper had unpacked the Solar Shower - filled it with 5 gallons (19 liters) of saltwater, and left it on the port aft cockpit bench with the black side up.

In the afternoon the wind dropped as forecasted and we started the engine. Skipper suggested, that is was time for a bath (the first since we left Las Palmas...!). The boom was amidships and Skipper attached the Shower for use in the cockpit. Mrs. Skipper somewhat reluctantly found the saltwater soap and put in the cockpit and wen' t below to prepare herself. Skipper got right ahead enjoying the warm water. Mrs. Skipper entered the cockpit and immediately complained, that Skipper was using too much water. Entirely untrue, since Skippers hair length only has reached 3/4 of an inch. She was left with at least 3 1/2 gallons of water, which turned out to be enough to wash her long hair twice.
Somewhat sceptical over Skippers little investment (DDK 98 or about EUR 13) at first, she did look quite pleased afterwards.

Today we again had 3 dolphins visiting and playing in front of our bow for about 10 minutes, whereafter Skipper set the engine in neutral and took a head dive in the deep blue ocean from the stern. The water was incredibly warm and with a soft feeling. Afterwards he warmed some Heinz tomato soup - and added some left over pasta screws from last nights dinner.

We have not had any boat sightings the last few days - AIS nor visibly. Did see a navigation light on our port aft quarter for a few hours last night.

Now down to 1002 miles to waypoint just NE of St. Lucia.

Skipper, Beetle

N18.29, W44.08

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