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Arkouda - Day 6



Dec 1-- 1:38 AM 18 degrees 15 minutes N, 24 degrees 00 W

We are definitely moving south--this morning I am not bundled up in fleece and shoes! We just passed through a little rain, and I rushed to close the hardtop cover to keep out the cold and wet, and realized that these were big fat drops and not the cold drizzly stuff we had been experiencing. These nice fat drops were warm! I just checked the sea temp and it is 81.3 degrees, and the ambient air is 74 degrees. I guess its time to put away the blankets!

We have most definitely taken the long way. We sailed SW, then West, then NW, then SE while trying to decide if it wise to head the Verdes. I think we added at least 2 days and who knows how many miles. How does the saying go "Its not the journey but the adventure?. I think I really screwed that one up!

The wind and seas built up last night, I was able to turn off motors and put out our jib--we sailed up the waves at about 6 kts and down at about 9 kts. At dawn we saw the waves that are typical of stronger winds, rising up to about 15 feet. During the day we had pretty constant winds of 28 kts, and spent a good part of time watching the waves roll up behind us, wonder if this was going to the one to crash down on the sugar scoops (the area almost at the level of sea, about 6 feef down from the level of cockpit) only to watch as Arkouda lifted her butt to let the wave pass under, ride to the crest, give a little shake side to side (I think this is what they refer to as "catwalk") and then surf down the face. The waves were curling and breaking about 2 wave lengths back, kind like the waves you see surfers ride on. It is awesome to watch!

I noticed that it has made Sean more cautious than he usually is. My husband has the mindset that nothing bad will ever happen to him, and sometimes takes risks without any regard to consequences. I can remember one of our early sailing trips in St. Lucia in waves even bigger than these when we all took turns sitting out on dolphin seat at the very front of the boat. It was a blast! As the boat started down the wave you would become airborne for 15 - 20 seconds--kind of like the Viking Ship rides at amusement parks. It was also incredibly stupid and dangerous. We never ever thought about putting on our life preservers. I don't know if it is the feeling of isolation or being so far out at sea or the short crew, but even he dons his jacket and straps in before leaving the cockpit. We might survive after all!

Today is a very important day--my sister's birthday! She is the strongest, most intelligent and beautiful woman I know, and as her little sister have spent my life trying to keep up. I love you, sis. Have a fantastic day! And thanks for reading these posts to mom, I miss her!

We are doing great. The wind and seas were behind us all day, which makes for a smooth and comfortable ride. We had french toast for breakfast, (I was amazed to find maple syrup in Las Palmas!) pears and cheese and crackers for lunch/snacks, and mahi mahi fish tacos with Bueno green chilie for dinner. Okay, it was out of can, smuggled in my suitcase, but still pretty tasty. It's amazing that it is still smooth enough to cook!

Spain was a relief for us because we could actually find flour tortillas. We found that the US imported Old El Paso brand lasts for weeks without being refrigerated--just how many preservatives do we American's eat? If you ask for a tortilla in a Spain, however, you are served a puffy potato-egg omelet, with absolutely no spice! I plan on getting into my dried red chilie stash tomorrow to make some red chilie sauce now that there is room in the fridge.

The support provided by the World Cruising organization has been fantastic. We receive daily weather updates via email, notifications of scary things like partially submerged shipping containers, daily position reports of the other boats, and an organized net in which we can talk to each other while underway on the SSB (single sideband radio). Not to mention the fantastic parties and seminars. It is a great organization!

We will stop at Sao Vicente in the Cape Verde islands (estimated arrival time 2:00 p,m t)o refuel, and possibly wait for the trade winds. We don't really need to add more fuel, but we will since it is available. The trades look like they will start on Wed, stronger farther south at 15 degrees. From there its looks like a pretty straight shot. We have dreams of consistent winds and seas, and hope to be able to ride our big red sail all the way over.

Please feel free to send me comments or questions.
Cynthia sv Arkouda



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