Wednesday 5th December
Current Position: N 18o 59'.816 W 35o 37".020
Current Speed : 7.6 knots
Distance to finish at Saint Lucia : 1480 nm
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Kite and Eggs
Denis expressed a craving for a boiled egg this morning. Luckily enough we did manage to stock up on fresh eggs at our supermarket sweep in the Canaries. We bought 56 in fact, just in case. So far, only four had been used for the previous days birthday brownies, so we'd better get cracking! Aidan took position at the galley, since he proudly claimed he knew how to cook poached eggs, and we all enjoyed "Huevos" poached in Atlantic salt water. You can't beat that.
We were all contented with our previous nights super sail, overtaking Aidan's new mate, Jeremy on Sirius, a Tayana 56. Now with full bellies, we decided to launch the spinnaker up for the first time. There is a running joke that we turn into sailing bandits by night, overtaking the boats who choose to slow down. The darkness is our secret weapon!.
Back to the kite and less of our super bandit tactics, as our spinnaker enthusiasm only lasted about forty minutes. We all agreed it was far too much like hard work. We did however, get around 8 knots from the super sized coloured sail. The spinnaker which had been packed down by the team in McWilliams sailmakers to a nice tidy size, now takes up about five times its previous space and occupies approximately half of the forepeak. John will be comfortable in his bunk tonight.
Interestingly enough, we haven't been this brave since we took to the start line at Las Palmas. We approached the start line with full set of sails and quickly put in three reefs to our main before we even got over the line. We haven't seen much past the second reef since then, until again today when we were feeling extra courageous.
With a moderate 20 knots, it wouldn't be unreasonable to see a full set of sails before us. And so, right now are cruising along nicely, with full main and headsail at comfortable 8 knots in 25 knots of breeze. The sun is blazing and the Eagles are pumping out Hotel California in the cockpit.
We are keeping a very close eye on your comments as to who should win the shirt competition. Aidan believes there is a conspiracy against him, as he self confesses that he tries to hard. As it stands the results are John : nil, Denis : 50 % and Aidan 50%. Considering that Johns shirt is a unique shirt, and Aidan's in a mass produced number in Taiwan, he is very upset that not one person considered him to be worthy of the title. As previously mentioned, voting will be open until Friday at 17:00UTC, so get your votes in now. After this time, you may still express an opinion but your vote will not count in the final selection.
No fish was caught today, although one did escape. We are also on our reserve water tanks. Not a pack of tinned food has been opened yet and Joleen is fighting hard to keep it that way. Tonight's meal will be Mahi Mahi, stir fried cabbage and baby pops. One of the crews favourites so far has been Ceviche, marinated fish in lime, garlic, ginger and red onions with lots of soda bread. Even Aidan liked that one and he is known for being the fussiest eater alive.
That's it for now folks, thanks again for all your comments on the blog posts, which we are receiving loud and clear.