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

Menu

Makena - Nov 9-10 PW Reporting



Report for November 9th-10th, 2014
Lat. 25.52.293N
Long. 16.56.446W

Today we were the first group to start in the ARC 2014. Two departure times for the two groups. Those adventurers with a stop in Cape Verde, depart Gran Canaria today. For the straight line sailors, the departure from Gran Canaria directly to St. Lucia is November 23rd.

Good winds for the depart, lots of fanfare with bands playing and many people lining the harbor mouth as we headed out of the Muelle Deportivo towards the start line, just outside of the harbor. Many tankers and container ships entering the harbor or anchored out in the starting area. In addition to looking out for the 50 boats starting, we had commercial traffic everywhere.

No collisions at the start. This is good as it is not uncommon to have mishaps when cruisers try their hand at racing for the first time. We got a good start and worked through the couple of boats that started ahead of us. For the downwind start we set the gennaker and were flying in the 20kt breeze.

By the time the wind reached a solid 40 knots, with the highest gusts just under 50 kt, we were down to a double reefed mainsail and the staysail. Double digit speed for most of the day. Great wind most of the night with one reef and genoa, sailing nicely at nearly 10 knots. We did get a little surfing in and down one face hit over 20 knots of boatspeed! Luc and Sarah are extremely patient and great at teaching everybody onboard all of the maneuvers. In the first day, we have gone through all of the sail changes and almost all of the reefing possibilities.

In the morning we raised the spinnaker and took off. Sighted dolphins and a marlin or sailfish catching air, chasing its prey.

Before we left, Sarah had prepped the ingredients for a delicious fish pie. Whole crew is settling in and doing great. If our dinner is any indication of how we are going to eat, I will be putting on a few pounds. About four more days to Cape Verde!

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

Previous | Next