By George, We Are sailing!
Author: Toby Hynes
This fourth day on the way to Bermuda is shaping up to be a great one. While we motored relentlessly into the night, at about 11:00 we hit the WRI (Weather Reporting Company used by the World Cruising Club) and GRIB predicted West Winds. The winds are constant at about 14 knots through most of the morning. We have been holding fairly constant 7.5 plus knots at a 15 degree tilt. About 10:00, John Hoffman tapped my sleeping shoulder to suggest we throw in a reef. The West winds had grown to about 20 knots and the tilt closer to 25 degrees. We accomplished a very quick reefing with all participating in the exercise.
Dinner last night was excellent. Joel had pre-cooked angle hair spaghetti and ground beef to be added to a marinara sauce. He spiced it all up on the stove and served a very tasty dinner. Norm completed the evening call with the other vessels. We then got into our evening shift pattern with all participating. Morning saw another simultaneous Moon set and Sun rise. There were great reflections on the water that was then really starting to get chopped up. Joel referred to it as “Willy Waws”, a word we presumed to be of some Northwest U S. Origin, as he is from Spokane Washington. He may also, just be messing with us!
This morning’s call from Seth told us we had a full day of these great sailing waters. However, as we approached Bermuda, we should expect winds shifting back to the NNE. Not great as that is the general direction we are heading. As a result, we are moving east from the rumb line, trying to get an easier final day of sailing, and giving us a better pointing motion coming into Bermuda. Time will tell! Expected arrival will be daylight, probably by noon on the 9th, one day longer than hoped for, but well within reason for the trip.
We look forward to sighting land, but are enjoying a chance to really sail. The second reef flattened us slightly but we continue to hold 7.5 plus knots. Everyone is enjoying the ride.