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

Menu

Daily Logs

Filter by..
Search


Oyster Belle - Log Day 17 - squall day
Oyster Belle - Log Day 17 - squall day
26/01/2022

What’s Next - What’s Next 25/1

25/01 @ 1933 16'59.74N 050'24.44W What a night we've had, it didn't stop raining until 0345. When we say raining,  it wasn't your casual summer time UK drizzle, we're talking about standing in a shower on full power getting absolutely drenched kind of rain. It was nuts! Once that had passed, the winds came in and thank God they did. Since then we have had a good strong consistent wind of 12-16kts gusting up to 20-23 at times from the north-east to south-east direction. Max speed so far has been 10.5 on a surf off a wave. Still goose winging it right now, we're going to keep like this for the night and at day light we'll bring the pole down, furl away the headsail and unleash The Beast as the conditions will be perfect for it. Having now passed 50 degrees west. read more...


25/01/2022

Bastet - Bastet - week 2

Załoga jachtu „Bastet” zgłasza się po raz kolejny z Atlantyku! Przede wszystkim chcemy pogratulować naszym współzawodnikom z chorwackiego jachtu „Movgli” dopłynięcia do mety na St. Lucia i zasłużonego zwycięstwa w ARC January 2022!Po tym jak w pierwszym tygodniu przepłynęliśmy 1002 nm nasze apetyty na dobrą pozycję wzrosły. Niestety drugi tydzień na morzu minął pod znakiem słabych i zmiennych wiatrów, włącznie z kierunkiem WSW, a więc w dziób… Zmuszeni byliśmy do płynięcia pod silnikiem na wolnych obrotach, aby oszczędzać paliwo Wynikiem były wyraźnie krótsze dzienne przebiegi. Tydzień zamknął się wynikiem tylko 790 nm. Obserwowaliśmy jak doganiają i wyprzedzają nas jachty, które były w stanie utrzymać wyższą prędkość na silniku pomimo braku wiatru! Pod koniec drugiego i na początku. read more...


25/01/2022

Oyster Belle - Log Day 16

After a tumultuous 24 hours followed by a period of calm we eased into our sailing prowess utilizing only the spinnaker to maximize the wind’s potential. This slowly but surely eats away at our miles towards our objective of St Lucia. Being an unforgiving sail in the wrong conditions, and it being not an easy decision, we took the courageous step to sail with it through the night under the Yoda-like guidance of Richard a leading skipper of Oyster Yachts. During our daily strategy discussion we considered lightening the load by having our resident recovering alcoholic Ortwin (rip van winkle) drinking all the beer but quickly dismissed this thought as we would have to undertake his watches (more than usual) ;)image1. read more...


Oyster Belle - Log Day 16
Oyster Belle - Log Day 16
25/01/2022

Friendship - Tag 17 - Warum immer Süd?

Die positive und überaus erfreuliche Nachricht: Wir segeln seit mehr als 24 Stunden am Stück und mussten den Motor nur beim Bergen des Genackers mal kurz zur Hilfe nehmen. Aber die Frage die uns hier permanent umtreibt: Warum kommt der Wind immer wieder aus südlichen Richtungen? Wo bleibt der stetige Passat aus Nordost, den uns der Wetterbericht tagtäglich verspricht? Wir hoffen, wir finden ihn noch…Da der Wind seit gestern kontinuierlich mit Windstärke 4 aus Südost kommt, kreuzen wir also vor dem Wind. Aktuell unter Genua. Wenn die Böen aber nachlassen, wollen wir den Genacker wieder setzen und so dann noch etwas Fahrt aus der Friendship herausholen. Aktuell sind wir mit 5 Knoten auf einem Kurs von 230 Grad unterwegs, 258 wäre der ideale Kurs zum Ziel. Also trotz südlichen Winden gar. read more...


24/01/2022

What’s Next - What’s Next Jan 24th

24/01 @ 2014 17'27'17N 048'06'15W Good evening, Today, wow. We're exhausted! Since we pressed 'send' on the last blog we have explored every single technique of sailing, experienced every wind direction, navigated every weather form. We began this morning's watches with the main sail and code 0. We then swapped the code 0 for the genoa, put the main away, got it out again, rigged the pole for the genoa, hoisted the trade wind sail for the code 0, and poled that out, went goosewing (also called 'milk maiden' by our Dutch crew members), and did it all again. The rain poured for the majority of today and like Forrest Gump in Vietnam, we had every type. Today's weather has left the crew wondering if we are indeed on the warm Atlantic cruise filled with consistent trade winds as. read more...


24/01/2022

What’s Next - What’s Next 23 Jan

23/01 @ 1922  17'34'94N 045'45'72W Well, lets divulge with you lot about what shenanigans we've had today.To be honest not a lot really. Today we've had a much better day of sailing. A persistent wind coming from the north-east has enabled us to make up some lost ground and begin to close down on our next longitude degree, 45. However with more stable conditions it has led to some decent rest bite. One thing that has come from today is reminiscence. Stories being told of days past and one thing this ignited was laughter. This has bought to light hour each of our lives are all quite different from our experiences and be it how maybe in the moment what was going may not truly have been as funny as you thought, now you can look back and truly let the laughter. read more...


24/01/2022

What’s Next - What’s Next 22 January

22/01 @ 1900 17'35’42"N 043'18’34"WOnce again, we have come to the end of another day on our passage across the Atlantic. We’ve had a mixed bag of sailing, motor-sailing and just motoring today but it most definitely hasn’t dampened our spirits. As this is being written we are only 39 miles until we have 1000 left to go so we’re definitely celebrating this moment tonight with a glass of wine and a cheeky beer with dinner. Jacob has also gone all out in his attire tonight with pink and white striped shirt and his white linen trousers. He said, ‘the fans would want to know and I believe that whatever the circumstances, your appearance matters. It’s an augmentation of your soul.’ Sounds as biblical as Jesus himself.Today Michiel has cooked up an absolute storm yet again! This morning. read more...


24/01/2022

What’s Next - What’s Next 21 Jan

21/01 @ 2030 17'58’66"N 040'55'97"WOn what has been another precarious day at sea, the winds have finally been good to us. We’ve been sailing now coming up to 24hrs and how good it has been. ‘The tiresome groan of an engine does nothing but stifle the ocean’s call.’  J.A. LineWe’ve updated our watch system now to include our new Dutch comrades and today they have been on chef duties. Lunch today was broken eggs with diced onion and tomato with fresh baguettes. We’ve had a little soy sauce and sushi this afternoon consisting of our Mahi Mahi which tonight will follow with some meaty steaks from yesterday’s catch and roasted veg, finished off by some utterly delightful, Angel Delight. At the moment we have constant eyes on the weather. We’re currently on the run. read more...


24/01/2022

What’s Next - What’s Next 20th Jan

Just to clarify the World Cruising Club do not 'ruin a truly  professional event' they 'RUN a truly professional event'. You can blame that mistake on Joe! 20/01 @ 2010 18'22’84"N 038'00'69"WFirst of all, Jacob and Joe would like to apologise for the delay in our blog posting. Anyway, lets get back into it shall we?In day-to-day life, we live under the misconception that we are in control. An experience like this, in true Scooby-Doo fashion, the mask is taken off the illusion. Over 3000 miles, three years of planning, all led to three boats. Three boats next to each other in the same marina. Three boats that ended up in the middle of the Atlantic involved in a rescue mission. Everything happens in threes. This just reveals that indeed, we are not the one at the helm,. read more...


24/01/2022

Brainstorm - Seamen hospitality at the courtesy of Godet

The first days on board the Rhapsodie have been tremendously fun and warm. The elaborate morning check-ins by both misses and mister Godet (how was your night, how do you feel, are you still ok about what happened, how do you think Menno is really doing?) have changed more to the regular festive: Bonjournee, how did you sleep, thee or caffee?! JJ keeps referring to us as his sons when younger, taking his boat, but stopped reminiscing how dreadful this must have been for Hans, ashore, when getting the nightmare call. Instead we notice that the Godet’s and Philippe held themselves -and the Rhapsodie- back the first days. Yes we had some calms and squalls but the gears weren’t rocket out with the potential cock out. The same goes for the hidden treasures aboard, from story’s in mind as well. read more...


24/01/2022

Friendship - Tag 16 - Die letzten 1.000 Meilen

Nun sind wir schon 16 Tage auf See und noch immer vergehen die Tage extrem schnell. Zwischen den Wachen und der freien Zeit, die wir uns mit Sport, Gesellschaftsspielen oder guten Büchern vertreiben, scheint die Zeit nur so dahin zu fliegen. Heute erreichen wir einen nächsten Meilenstein auf unserer Tour. Wir brechen die letzten 1.000 Seemeilen an. Und endlich ist das Segeln so, wie wir es uns die ganze Zeit gewünscht haben: Ausreichend Wind von Achtern, der Genacker steht und wir machen 6 bis 7 Knoten Fahrt. So ist es ideal. Dazu scheint die Sonne und ein paar Wolken spenden uns vereinzelt Schatten. Ein Traum! Und wenn der Wetterbericht einigermaßen stimmt, soll es in den kommenden Tagen auch so weitergehen…. Die Nächte bescheren uns immer Squalls und Schauer. Doch schon nach kurzer. read more...


24/01/2022

Oyster Belle - Log Day 15 - after the storm came the calm

After heavy nights, wind and heavy rain with a confused high sea state, the conditions abated during the course of the day giving us back the luxury of sailing into the sunset having our evening meal. The crew is now feeling a little more refreshed and cruising downwind with the spinnaker under sunny skies. image1. read more...


Oyster Belle - Log Day 15 - after the storm came the calm
Oyster Belle - Log Day 15 - after the storm came the calm
23/01/2022

Brainstorm - Learning the Rhapsodie beat

The first day onboard the Rhapsodie VI we weren’t allowed to do much aparte from eating, drinking, resting, contacting family and insurance. Plus of course getting to know the family and crew! Firstly we discovered the French siësta is real thing of repetition, dosing if after breakfast, brunch and lunch. With the captain as king of the nap, dosing of in 2 seconds while pretending to read on the couch. My training is strong on this field.Monsieur Godet, Jean Jacques and as of last night JJ, is the captain of the yacht as well as his family. He used to spend 5 months a year planning, training and doing regatta’s until he stopped 2 years ago. This man of the sea has sailed everywhere, including the north pole as well as beyond the peninsula of Antarctica with a specialized icebreaker. read more...


23/01/2022

Brainstorm - Mahi mahi what a day, a fight and feast

Though our energy was high from the day before and our night on fire we must be fair: both took quite the toll. Chasing cloud to cloud under up- and half winds, continuously searching for- and adjusting to the apex winds that surround them. Also when not behind the rudder. Practically standing, walking, cooking and sitting on the walls, maintaining balance all day, is exhausting. Not to mention the rolling and beating while you’re in bed, prohibiting a proper recharge.You can imagine we looked forward to more reaching winds (sideways from the back), as predicted in our models, to get our code-0 up as we get some rest in. Although the winds changed to our liking, even dropping for a while, only H&M reaped the benefits because… we fish when the winds drops!To test our luck - and. read more...


Oyster Belle - heavy weather sailing
Oyster Belle - heavy weather sailing
23/01/2022

Friendship - Tag 15 - Squall-Slalom

Jetzt sind wir genau zwei Wochen unterwegs. Und mal wieder hängen wir in einem Gebiet mit wenig Wind. Allerdings ist jeden Moment mit Squalls zu rechnen. Gestern Abend ging es damit los. Nachdem wir unseren Maimai gegessen hatten (mit Tomaten-Lauch-Gemüse und Kartoffeln) - sehr lecker - zog sich der Himmel am Nachmittag zu. Am frühen Abend sahen wir dann vereinzelt Wetterleuchten, das im Laufe der Nacht zunahm und Squalls mit sich brachte. Auf dem Radar konnten wir dann bis zu vier Squalls gleichzeitig sehen. Wir fuhren regelrecht Slalom, um keinem von ihnen direkt zu begegnen. Wir hatten wirklich Glück und konnten allen bis auf einem ausweichen. Der Squall traf uns aber erst, als er schon sehr schwach war, brachte aber noch bis zu 23 Knoten Wind mit sich. Er schob uns so an, dass wir. read more...


23/01/2022

Oyster Belle - Log Day 14 - a developing low

When the wind started to increase last night to 15kts we doused our spinnaker and continued under white sails. Anxiously monitoring an electrical storm developing during the night leeward from us we watched the wind to increase in speed and gusting up to 30kts. Rain and confused seas added to a sleepless and wet night for everyone on board. But this developing low pressure system should move to the northeast of us and we are expecting the trades to gradually set in over the next 24 hours. image1. read more...


Oyster Belle - Log Day 14 - a developing low
Oyster Belle - Log Day 14 - a developing low
22/01/2022

Friendship - Tag 14 - Maimai

Fliegende Fische bringen Glück - zumindest uns! Nachdem uns in der Nacht zu Freitag einer an Bord besucht hatte, flogen gestern Nachmittag ganze Schwärme an uns vorbei. Und dann kam es endlich, das erlösende Sirren. Ein Fisch hatte angebissen. Da wir aus unseren Fehlern gelernt haben, holten wir direkt Messer und Winschkurbel, um nicht wieder einen Fisch zu verlieren. Rainer hatte ziemliche Mühe den Maimai aus dem Wasser zu holen. Das Tier war nicht nur groß, es wehrte sich auch ziemlich. Aber nach einem gefühlt ewigen Kampf, war der Maimai endlich an Bord. Ein schöner Fisch mit einem blauen Rücken und einem gold-gelben Bauch mit einer Länge von ca. 90cm und einem Gewicht von ca. 7 bis 8 Kilogramm. Das sollte für 6 Personen reichen. Der heutige Positionsbericht führt uns noch immer auf. read more...


22/01/2022

Oyster Belle - Log Day 13

Last night we had little wind and an uncomfortable swell which resulted in the boat rolling around quite heavily and making slow headway with the sails frequently flogging. The result being that little sleep was had by any of the crew who were feeling a little jaded this morning. However things perked up when we hoisted the spinnaker at 08:00 and are now enjoying a downwind run with the wind almost directly behind us. The winds are forecasted to pick up after the next couple of days and the crew are looking forward to smoother faster progress.It’s the weekend, so Richard is keenly awaiting the Leeds United football score.. read more...


22/01/2022

Maxim 46 - LOG DAY 14 COMMUNICATION

After our emergency stop in Mindelo we had a couple of calm days. Only since yesterday we had the first (warm) rain and some changing weather. Wind, no wind, cloudy, partially blue skies. We calculated our fuel consumption again, and checked the weather forecast several times per day. Also we had some contact with the family at home. Always nice to read about the daily business and the gossip, brings nice conversations on the table. Being on land we all think Iridium is from another era but after some days without fast internet you are going to appreciate it more and more.Lisa is building dens, helps with preparing meals, and even learnt a new song together with Rien playing the guitar. Still 1400nm miles to go, but it is the positive approach that tells us we only have 10 days left. read more...


Peak - Celebrating my birthday & life!
Peak - Celebrating my birthday & life!
Oyster Belle - into the sunset on a friday night
Oyster Belle - into the sunset on a friday night
21/01/2022

Peak - Peak, Swan 65/001

We left a day after the start taking into consideration the ARC is a rally and not a race. With a better weather pattern we departed 24 hours later. Soon after the start we hoisted for the first time our new Parasailor, lovingly called Rose, and off we glided into the sunset. The crew settled in and we quickly adjusted to the ship’s motion and watchkeeping. We know Peak, which has been in our family for the past 18 years, is kind and gentle to its crew regarding seasickness. Therefore we were not too worried when one of the crew, which we accepted on board via Ocean Crew Link, became seasick at first. A few days sailing South we decided to cut the corner West as the opportunity arose in the unstable weather. Then after 6 days, some 1940 nm from Saint Lucia, we decided to head South for. read more...


21/01/2022

Oyster Belle - Log Day 12

Over the night the wind dropped below 15 kts and we changed back to the spinnaker to ensure we keep the direction a fraction South of West. There is a region of no wind coming through from the East but we hope to escape it. Today’s Friday night party special on onboard will be to celebrate teaching the half way distance mark of our voyage. The Yorkshire beers are in the fridge already. image1. read more...


Oyster Belle - Log Day 12
Oyster Belle - Log Day 12
21/01/2022

Mrs. G - Mrs.G 2000 Miles Report

Here we are again. Mrs.G passed 2000 miles early this morning; it took us another six days to reach this milestone. Two thirds of our route is behind us.What happened in these six day? Not much and a lot! We are still in the middle of the Atlantic and one could say, there is nothing but water here. But - the sea changes all the time, the waves are bigger, smaller, higher... The clouds are building, one can see squalls around and some also come to us. We were watching the moon rising every night and had a beautiful full moon, which is now becoming smaller again. And even in the middle of the ocean the sunrise is not the same every morning...What we really do not have is any life around us: with the exception of one (1) albatross some days ago, who came from nowhere , made two turns around. read more...


21/01/2022

Friendship - Tag 13 - Bergfest!

1.490 Seemeilen haben wir in den vergangenen 12 Tagen geschafft. Damit haben wir heute Bergfest. Die noch vor uns liegenden 1.450 Seemeilen schaffen wir hoffentlich in etwas kürzerer Zeit. Und der Wind lässt hoffen! Aktuell fahren wir mit 6 bis 7 Knoten. In der Nacht waren wir allerdings deutlich ruhiger unterwegs. Um das Material und die Nerven der Mitseglerinnen zu schonen (die Wellen haben uns ganz schön geschaukelt und krach gemacht), bargen wir kurz nach Sonnenuntergang das Großsegel und fuhren mit gereffter Genua weiter. Dadurch wurde es dann deutlich ruhiger. Anglerglück hatten wir noch nicht. Aber die Fische werfen sich uns freiwillig zu Füßen. In den frühen Morgenstunden landete ein fliegender Fisch in unserem Cockpit. Zum Essen leider zu klein, also durfte er zurück ins Meer.. read more...


20/01/2022

Friendship - Tag 12 - Rausche Rausche

8,4 Knoten! So schnell rauschen wir heute Vormittag über den Atlantik. Denn endlich ist der Wind stark genug, um die Friendship zum Laufen zu bringen. Und das auf Am-Wind-Kurs mit Welle, was der Lagoon sonst eigentlich nicht so liegt. Nach Tagen des Beobachtens, abwechselnden Motorens und Segelns und der Hoffnung bald möge Wind kommen, ist das jetzt einfach ein geniales Gefühl. Es macht einen riesen Spaß mit dieser Geschwindigkeit dahin zu segeln. Rausche Rausche, mehr kann man dazu eigentlich nicht sagen. Etwas Anspannung ist heute aber dennoch dabei. Die letzte bekannte Position der aufgegebenen SY Brainstorm liegt genau auf unserem Kurs. Daher müssen wir verstärkt Ausguck gehen. Sie soll zwar nach letzten Angaben gen Südwesten treiben, doch sind diese Informationen schon 24 Stunden. read more...


20/01/2022

Oyster Belle - Log Day 11 - time travelling

When we set sail from Gran Canaria sun set around 18:30 and rose around 08:00. As we are now approaching the 32nd longitude we noticed the change where sun set and sun raise are now about an hour later. We take a noon sighting with our sextant which confirms local noon, ie the sun at its zenith overhead is about 14:18 UTC. So we move the clocks back one hour during the day rather than during the night to ease the watch keeping process. image1. read more...


Oyster Belle - Log Day 11 - time travelling
Oyster Belle - Log Day 11 - time travelling
20/01/2022

What’s Next - What’s Next / Brainstorm 19th Jan

Before the ships bloggers wax lyrical again I would just like to say a few words with regards to the past 24 hours events here in the middle of the Atlantic.The worst nightmare for any skipper and crew is to realise that the vessel you are on and that is your safe haven in the middle of nowhere is taking on water to a point where you have to consider getting into the life raft. This is especially true in the middle of such a vast wilderness such as an ocean where it is unlikely that there is anyone close by to help. Sadly for the crew of “Brainstorm” one of the ARC boats and our neighbour in the marina in Las Palmas, this nightmare became a reality early evening yesterday.Shortly after dinner last night we received a call from MRCC in the Azores that Brainstorm had catastrophic. read more...


19/01/2022

Bastet - BASTET 19-01-2022

BASTET 19-01-2022W końcu powiało z korzystnego kierunku - nie musimy halsować w kierunku St.Lucia. BASTET rozwinął swoje skrzydła i na przednim żaglu pieszczotliwie zwanym „kotek” (na żaglu wizerunek Egipskiej Bogini BASTET - kot) ciągnie w B stronę celu z szybkością 8-9 węzłów. Mamy nadzieję, że pas przeciwnych wiatrów i ciszy już za nami. Nastroje bardzo dobre. Martwimy się sytuacją tonącego z powodu awarii steru jachtu M„Brainstorm”. Jednak jesteśmy od nich daleko i pomocy udzielają jachty będący znacznie bliżej od nas.Pogoda dobra i mamy nadzieję w ciągu kilku dni znaleźć poszukiwany od 10 dni passat, który w tym roku postanowił ukrywać się przed jachtami ARC w bezmiarze Atlantyku.Raz jeszcze dziękujemy Małgosi, Agnieszce, Markowi, Piotrowi, Rich’owi i Hansowi za ich nieustające. read more...


19/01/2022

Friendship - Tag 11 - Es wird… :-)

Unter Genacker „rauschen“ wir dahin. Mit einer Geschwindigkeit von 3 bis 5 Knoten nähern wir uns St. Lucia, der Wind weht mit 8 bis 11 Knoten. Etwas mehr könnte es sein. Doch wir sind zufrieden, kommt der Wind doch nun relativ beständig aus Nord-Nordost. Endlich! Tagsüber nutzen wir das schöne große Leichtwindsegel, nachts sind wir aber doch noch mit Motor unterwegs. Die Gefahr von Squalls sind in dieser Region einfach zu groß. Und für die Genua reicht der Wind (noch) nicht aus. Die Tage vergehen nach wie vor sehr schnell und fangen an zu verschwimmen. Aber es gibt neben dem guten Essen (Marion ist eine klasse Köchin) immer wieder kleine Highlights, die uns im Gedächtnis bleiben. Gestern besuchte uns eine Schule junger Delfine und blieb rund eine halbe Stunde bei uns. Sie machten. read more...


19/01/2022

Oyster Belle - Log Day 10 - wind, wind!

Down here at 14 degrees north we finally found some wind! We are now under reefed Genoa and reefed main in 15 kt winds heading West with boat speeds above 6 kts. image1. read more...


18/01/2022

What’s Next - Whats Next 17th January Part 2

17/01 @ 1839 19'46’51"N 031'47'70"WNow as our 8th day draws to a close, the sun setting on a rather unsettled sea, we look back upon what has been achieved. Due to demand, our now told, untold story of what happed to our potatoes as they peaceful hung was released at lunch time which we hope you all enjoy.Unfortunately, today we had to put the donkey back to work but now he’s having a well-deserved break as we’ve got some stable wind pushing us along at 7-8kts. It has come to our attention that we as writers can no longer be contained and we want to break through that fourth wall. So, we put it to you, our readers to email us questions, mysteries and thoughts that we as a crew can examine and feature in our blog. ‘Our blog with its readers is like a sailboat with wind. You. read more...


18/01/2022

What’s Next - Whats Next 16th January

16/01 @ 1945 20'14.72"N 029'89'57"WOn today's episode of, Keeping up with the Sailors, Khris and Joe Jenner saw a whale calf breach the water. Jakob woke up in a tumble dryer and Robin K has begun to uncover the truth of where our potatoes have been disappearing to.Brexit has caused a great issue with the ‘trade’ winds as these are still not allowing us to join them in an attempt to get to the Caribbean. Because united, we know we're stronger. This morning arrived with unpredictable weather in the form of variable winds and showers. This led to some great moments of pure exhilaration as we flew through the water at 8kts. And then. During a gust which led our vessel of sanctuary to keel over. Jacob turned, poised like he was stood on the balcony at the Vatican about to. read more...


18/01/2022

What’s Next - Whats Next 16th January

17/01 @ 1137 19'46’51"N 031'47'70"WSuddenly awakened by the sounds of crisp packet rustling and not so subtle bangs of doors, Robin Kardiganshan rose to his feet from his slumber. What’s that he thought to himself. Jacob, whose beady eyes were keeping us safe, duty bound like a good watch keep is, Robin came up on deck, pondering about what could be causing the sounds. “Jacob; Joe and Chris are asleep right?” he questions the watch keep. “Yeah, I believe so.” Jacob returned. Then. Like a missile, a potato exited off the stern of the boat from which they were hanging in our expertly made Vegetable Net (trademark TBC). ‘Whoa!’ exclaimed Robin. Robin mate, you alright?Did you not just see that?!See what?That potato! It just flew off the back off the boat out of nowhere.A. read more...


18/01/2022

What’s Next - Whats Next 15th January

15/01 @ 2018 21'09.43"N 027'48'18"WAt 1330, 21’16’77N 027’16’16W we put the sails away, turned off the engine, put down the swim platform and jumped in! It was by far the highlight of our trip so far. Swimming around the aft of the boat in the Atlantic, where the closest land is 5km below us with God knows what kind of creatures swimming around. We played our first game of Shithead where Jacob lost the first and Chris the second (so-called pros at the game).Robin cooked up a storm filled with half a chicken each and roasted vegetables. Now as the sun sets, with a shepherds delight, so does another day. Filled with joyous smiles and laughs it keeps our spirits levitated to the thought of our ever closing approach towards our glorious destination. In the famous words of. read more...


What’s Next - Whats Next 15th January
What’s Next  - Whats Next 15th January
18/01/2022

What’s Next - Whats Next 14th January

14/01 @ 1522  21'57.55"N 025'17'31"WSo we’ve lost TinTin overnight and our excitement since 0500 local time has been squalls. We’ve had three since then but its been quite refreshing having a sudden down pour. During the night we made good progress and are now currently heading south on a starboard tack, following the favorable wind, making good progress towards the trades. With the current wind conditions we have a constant 7-12kts giving us an average speed of 6kts and the boat is behaving really well. Staying on this tack we’re holding out for the wind to pull us round towards a more westerly heading giving us a direct route to the finish line.Tonight is Jacobs turn to cook and on the menu is fajitas!Till tomorrowChris, Jacob, Joe and Robin . read more...


18/01/2022

What’s Next - Whats Next 13 January

13/01 @ 1524  22'23.70"N 023'05'50"WIn the past 12 hours we’ve seen dolphins playing and glowing in the bio-luminescence and swimming off our bow at sunrise. Now we have an adopted pet Yellow Fin tuna, aptly named TinTin who has been following us now for 6hrs or more off our stern (still waiting to become our next meal). Around 0430 we lost all our wind and have been motoring since but now have the main sail out thanks to a nice constant southerly light breeze. Still with our sights set on our destination, we’re making good head way hoping to catch these ever so renowned trade winds. Everybody has been smashing the chef duties with some Gauchos Tapas (if you know, you know) inspired potatoes, egg and ham lunch from Chris and last nights chorizo pasta and lunch time bagels. read more...


18/01/2022

What’s Next - Whats Next 12 January

12/01 @ 1409  22'59.30"N 020'45'00"WDay 4 has been full of strategy meetings regarding the cut off low pressure system North-west of us. A dead zone seems to be unavoidable… what we’d give for consistent trade winds! Looking to head North of our waypoint of 20N 30W, and hopefully it won’t be long before we’ll be pointing at our final waypoint of St Lucia! A Roger Federer impersonator has been discovered onboard in Jacob attempting to tame his barnet. Crossing the Tropic of Cancer has brought about more sun cream-filled days and sweat-filled nights. We set our watches back an hour at midday which took some of the comms equipment  by surprise but no major issues.Chris, Jacob, Joe and Robin1965 UPDATE: Jacob and Joe are having a movie night watching Finding Nemo in the. read more...


18/01/2022

What’s Next - What’s Next 11 January

11/01 @ 1215  24'29'08"N 018'42'48"W‘I can’t believe its only day three!’ – Chris Line 11/01/2022We’ve lost the wind which has forced us to motor sail through the night and today at 5-6kts but the sea has calmed down making the boat sit very comfortably plodding along. We’ve had some comms with some fellow Arc sailors onboard PolePole and Bounty who are all doing well. Joe has got the finishing gear out, nothing caught yet but keeping fingers crossed for some sushi soon. We’ve made another 142nm and now we’ve got our sights set on our waypoint 50nm NW of the Verdes. Hope you’re looking forward to tomorrows post?!Chris, Jacob, Joe and Robin . read more...


18/01/2022

What’s Next - What’s Next 10 January

10/01 @ 1219Current Position 26'17'07"N 016'49'04"WIts’s nearly been 24hrs since we crossed the start line just out said Las Palmas marina on the first ever ARC January Atlantic crossing. With a great start and strong constant wind over the past 24hrs its allowed us to get right up to the front of the pack covering 160 miles and we’re continuing to make good head way down towards the Cape Verde islands. There’s a little uncertainty on how the weather is going to behave over the next few days but we’re in high hopes that it’ll play to our favor.Here’s to fair winds.Chris, Jacob, Joe and RobinSent from my iPad. read more...


18/01/2022

Friendship - Tag 10 - 3 Knoten sind auch ok

Jetzt ist er da, der Passat. Er weht nun aus Nordost und ganz langsam dreht auch die Welle mit. Wirklich voran kommen wir aber noch nicht, denn mit nur 8 Knoten Wind, ist die Friendship nur schwer von der Stelle zu bewegen. Aber wir geben nicht auf! Bereits um Mitternacht stellte sich kurz die Hoffnung ein, der Wind reiche zum Segeln. Doch nach einer halben Stunde des Dümpelns, starteten wir dann erneut den Motor. Pünktlich zum Frühstück um halb 9 kam dann etwas Wind. Rainer und Maren sind dann also direkt raus, Genacker setzen. Nun fahren wir mit 3 Knoten über den Atlantik. Vor einer Woche hätten wir bei diesen Geschwindigkeiten noch den Motor gestartet. Doch nun sind wir froh über jede Minute , die der Motor nicht läuft. Denn wir wollen/müssen ja auch etwas mit dem Diesel haushalten.. read more...


18/01/2022

Oyster Belle - Log Day 9

With less than 2,000 nm to go, we continue to head South West in search for the trade winds which should carry us across to St Lucia. The wind is still light and changing direction. We initially started the day on the asymmetric and then changed to goose winged white sails before we furled them in and are now on the spinnaker, trying to maintain speed and direction under sail keeping motoring to the minimum. We deliberately headed south to find the prevailing winds which entails a further distance travelled but ensures safer and probably quicker passage in the longer run for our type of vessel than further north. We now anticipate having the wind behind us for the rest of the passage. An alternative Route could have been further North to us along the rhumb line but with the weather. read more...