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

Menu

Tulla Mhor - Day 15: passed 1/2 way



We have passed 1/2 way at last. Dugald decided our distance would be 2550 nm so when the chart plotter said only 1275 nm to St Lucia, celebrations all round. I am sure we have sailed further than that with our travels to find wind and hoping the second 1/2 will be quicker and more direct.
Thursday 1st, day 12: The winds are still from the south west so we continue to beat across the Atlantic. We are making St Lucia which is something and although the winds are light because we are beating the boat is travelling at an OK speed. There seem to be more wind further south so hope to go that way when conditions allow.
Friday 2nd, day 13: overnight the wind changed direction from the east, but very light. Sails going slap,slap and going nowhere fast. So sails back down and a couple of hours motoring. In the morning Hugo and Dugald hoisted the big pink cruising chute and making OK speed. The morning forecast has us firmly in the sector with the lightest winds. This is conformed in the morning SSB radio broadcast with the boats further south having reasonable winds. We need to get south!
The bake off competition hotted up when Andrew produced a beautiful loaf for lunch although he did have advice from Hugo. The bread round is in the balance but I have the cake round in the bag as I am the only one to have made a cake (so far).
Saturday 3rd, day 14: This is the day we declared we were more than 1/2 way. I had planned steaks for the 1/2 dinner but they were a bit disappointing. That was the last of our fresh meat and we are now on vacuum packed food, tins and what we can catch.
We have not seen much wild life but a large pod of dolphins came within view, all jumping up vertical out of the water, very exciting. They were not much interested in us and by the time the cameras where ready they had moved on.
We are managing to sail south with the big pink up during the day and poled out jib at night. When I came up on deck for the last night watch it was completely pitch black. The horizon was indiscernible, no stars. There was an angry red spot on the radar screen heading for us. We managed to be reefed by the time the squall hit us, so apart from being very wet no damage done. The boat had a good fresh water wash and the sails stayed reefed for the rest of my watch giving me a peaceful time.
Sunday 4th, day 15: We are continuing south and the wind does seem to have improved. It has moved slightly south of east giving a better sailing course. We still have the big pink up during the day. A boat appeared over the horizon passing from east to west but not transmitting AIS. We are not alone! This is the first boat we have seen for 5 days.
In a bid to stay in the bread competition I make a walnut loaf but not a total success; like an ordinary loaf with some hard bits in it. Needless to say it was all eaten. Everyone on board enjoys their food and always a pleasure to cook when everything is eaten up and asks for seconds. We are having a bit of a carb fest so although alcohol consumption is well down I think we are making up the calories.
We are continuing to play cards most evenings, a game called 5 Crowns which Dugald and I had not heard of before. So far Hugo is the un-disputed champion but all to play for.
A  few days ago we had a sweepstake as to when we would arrive in St Lucia. We were all wildly optimistic but Dugald suggested the latest date so still being 1000 nm to go Dugald has won!
Just as we were preparing the boat for night the fishing reel started pulling out. We had caught a big Dorado, so fresh fish for dinner tomorrow.
Val
 

Previous | Next