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

Menu

Makena - Nov 12 PW Reporting



November 12, 2014
Position at midnight
21.33.160N
20.26.455W

We are now in the Tropics. This morning we crossed the Tropic of Cancer. Looks the same and feels the same, always nice to have milestones to refer to on the open sea.

After midnight we saw a slight increase in wind. We went from 9-11 knots to a consistent 13 knots, with occasional 15s. At daybreak we pulled in the genoa and set the spinnaker. With her bright orange belly and red edges, we named her Tequila Sunrise. She allows us to sail deep and make good VMG.

We have seen a few pods of dolphin since the beginning of this voyage. None, so far, has approached the boat and stayed to play with us until this morning. Right after setting the spinnaker, we saw a few dolphin in the distance. Within minutes, we had dozens and dozens all around the boat. As many as thirty at a time were playing in our bow waves. Pretty much the entire crew was on the bow with cameras and GoPros getting great shots of the dolphin show.

As the afternoon progressed, we came in to more pressure. True wind speed showed a solid fifteen kts. All onboard had big grins as Makena began to get the wind she loves. The wind crept higher and by late afternoon was holding above 20knots. Down came Tequila Sunrise and up came the gennaker. Awesome sailing today.

The crew got together in the evening to watch videos that Todd had edited from Las Palmas. Aroma from Jerry's Chicken Cacciatore drew everyone in to the salon. As dinner was finishing up, we had the most unreal orange and red layered sunset. Lots of photos taken, none show the blaze of this sunset.

The chicken cacciatore was mated with a Ramon Bilboa Rioja, Crianza 2011. Luc filled any remaining belly space with a delicious and flashy bananas flambe. Not sure if it was the wine, being in the tropics or just the great company, but there was a very festive atmosphere at the dinner table!

We are back under mainsail and genoa sailing deep towards Sao Vicente. We are more than half way to our first destination. Life is Good.

Can't forget the big news of the day: Baby Kai had his fifth tooth push through today!

PW

[Submitted by SB for PW Nov 23. Photos on facebook!]


Previous | Next