For regular readers of this column, apologies for the tardy posting of updates, but frankly it has difficult to sit down and write. We have now experienced 3 days and 3 nights of Gale force conditions. Gusts of up to 25 knots turned into wind speeds consistently in the mid 30's and gusts up to 40 knots The sea produced waves up to 4m high, and numerous back to back squalls threw bucket loads of rain down on us. Below deck is like being in a tumble drier - where nothing dries. As the boat pitches through 90 degrees getting into bed is a challenge, let alone staying in it or getting any sleep. On deck is like being in a washing machine, water constantly being thrown in your face after every spin, and in between, multiple sail changes working against the strong winds sapping energy.
But its not all bad! We caught a fine fish day 5, a dorade, and today, day 7, Vale's birthday, we ate it, washed down with a fine bottle of , er, Cava. It made a fine luncheon for 6. Another triumph for Gianni's kitchen. This morning we tacked and are now on direct route to St Lucia. We are hoping this run of very bad weather will be behind us by this evening and we will get the chance to do some housekeeping and sleeping......when we finally dry out.
Well I think that's what happened. All been a bit of a blur really. But spirits are high. Milanto takes everything thrown at her in her stride, carving her way through a tempestuous ocean, and we are in excellent hands with Vale as our skipper. Clearly he is a seasoned sea dog, with another year under his belt today.
Happy Birthday Vale!