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Cookelu meu - reaching the 520nm mark, stable conditions



As we are approaching the ¾  point of our route to St. Lucia (520nautical miles to go) our condition without the 24V alternator have stabilized as we have developed a new everyday routine: we are constantly using our tow generator to produce some electric power – costing us some 10-15 nautical miles a day -, we switched of the fridge so no more cold water and beer but still running our deep freeze at full capacity, we are “fishing” sea water with an modified empty 2 liter water bottle to fill up water for spilling dishes, cooking and flushing the head (normally it uses fresh water ). Now that we are unable to run the water maker we have to conserve our fresh water supply. It seems that the above changes have not affected our morale – on the contrary we find them “interesting” – and we are able to keep the charge of our 24V battery stable at -370Ah (about 42% full) and the Voltage over 22.0V. Usually the useful range of heavy use traction batteries is from 100% to 30% full, so we might have some useful charge still in them.  Our battery consists of 12 2V cells made for  forklifts and the capacity is measured in another way (C5) than boat batteries witch are measured at C20 discharge rate, so we are not sure how much deeper they can be discharged. Anyway it seems that we will not run out of battery power.

The wind has finally shifted to ESE up to ENE – pure trade wind sailing now – and we are sailing with polled out genoa almost directly downwind or a few degrees on port tack. The swell although has increased and we are constantly tossed around in the boat. Somehow we manage to cook, sleep and use the head. I’m sure when we reach land we want be able to walk straight on the pier.

 

We are all well and in good mood.

 

Panos, Peter and Lars on Cookelu meu.

 

PS: the boat cooks plan a small celebration for tonight as we are passing the 520nm mark. They keep their secret well hidden from me. A five course meal again? Who knows.

 




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