can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Winedown - Land!



Monday, Day 10

After 9 nights on the boat, we woke to the sight of land on the distant horizon. Our last moon rise, sunset, and sunrise of the 1500. Tim entertained himself the night before with shadow hand puppetry by the light of the moon.  When he confessed this too me, I decided it was blog worthy. Just a little insight as to how some of us amuse ourselves on a three hour night shift. We enjoyed our last catch of Mahi Mahi for dinner last night, thanks to Dave for cooking us up a very satisfying and tasty last meal. Dave had what we thought was a very large Tuna on the line yesterday but sadly as we were luffing into the wind to slow the boat down the wind caught us at the top of a wave and jibed the jib just as Dave had the Tuna at the rear of the boat.  He dove deep and got caught under the rudder.  We tried to free him to no avail and Dave had to cut the line. That was the excitement for the day with an unhappy result. 
We sailed through the night off course by about 10 degrees. There was no way with the direction of the wind to be able to hold our marked course by sail, so we had to sail off or use the motor.  I have to admit it was nice to have a sleep without the engine humming under my pillow. We made the commitment sometime Sunday that to get there by today we would have to compromise and use the engine more than we would have liked and take the penalty. We are all ready with the exception of maybe Dale,  who was reluctant to turn on the motor,  to park this girl. 
Tim has a couple scuba tanks with his name on them, Dave’s wife is flying in today, and I have a very long, cool shower in mind for when we dock. As far as 1500’s go, Dave tells us this one was pretty tame (no reefing of the main due to heavy air). Suits me fine as it is our first crossing. We have become much more intimate with the workings of our boat now, as she has never been tested like this. Thanks to Dave’s vast knowledge of ocean sailing, navigation, sail trim, mechanics, provisioning, practical galley organization and cooking shortcuts, fishing acumen, etc., etc….. and Tim’s racing and tactical skills,  we managed very well first time out.  Hopefully we can build on this endeavor becoming more confident in our abilities,  getting the most out of Winedown over the coming months sailing in the Islands and bringing her home.   

Debbie

Previous | Next