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Starla - Log Day 3 - Celebrating the Sun but not the Wind



Hello Everyone

Distance logged today - 77 nautical miles. Distance to date this trip - 340 nautical miles.

As you can see from the distance logged for the day, we had very light winds. It is a case of being in the right place at the right time. We do have weather forecast information and the wind has been generally lighter than that forecast.

We had decided to take the more traditional route, which is south west, towards Cape Verde and then turn west in to the trade winds, to cross in a more westerly direction to St Lucia.

The forecast is not good for the trade winds at the moment. As the major weather system that drives them, called the Azores high, is located very north, toward Ireland (No, it is not now called the Paddy high!). Needless to say, the high should be over the Azores!! So it could be a bit of a slog for a few days to get down to them, if they are even there!!

During the afternoon, we were flying our big genekar sail, to help with the boat speed, but it just got too light, even for a light airs, downwind sail!

On the SSB radio net, today, their was some chat regarding sailing strategy, as a few of the boats have been using their engines, and of course using fuel. As yet we have not used the engine at all, and do not intend to, unless a very obvious and lasting advantage can be gained from motoring to an area of known consistent wind within a day. The final positions for the rally are then adjusted based upon the boats calculated handicap and engine hours (propulsion). So it is a big penalty to use the engine anyway!

No fish today again, however we did sight a turtle.

As the darkness fell, Brian produced a great meal for us all. Lots of veg. as well, as it still is not lasting well.

As the sun came up this morning we have had beautiful sunshine today and the sea state is very calm. We could all sit around the cockpit table and enjoy a salad.

I can only hope that tea drinking is good for you, as we have a lot of cups. The most used item on board is the teapot. (Note to Phil and June, that is the teapot I bought from you at your boat jumble).

Everybody is well and in good spirits. We are now settled in to a routine.

Regards,

Starla Crew
(written by Steven Crake)

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