Maymio - Day 1 - Ready for the off.

With our two weeks of preparation in Las Palmas at an end we have successfully completed a host of tasks including re-rigging, provisioning and seminars all aimed at ensuring an enjoyable and trouble-free passage. Regrettably this period, which has included numerous 'Happy Hours' and festive celebrations, became tinged with sadness when it became clear on Thursday Wilf would need to return to London to seek medical advice for a stomach ailment which may not have improved with three weeks on a boat. Jen tried her best but no end of medication seemed to help.  Wilf has been involved with the preparation of the boat for many months and it is sad for him not to participate at this very late stage. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him fit and well and ready to take our. read more...

Maymio - The first 24 hours

We had a great start to ARC 2010, just three minutes after the gun and well entertained by the Croatian shouting team on board 'Manbo'. Set spinnaker and cruised south clocking a record surf of 9.2 knots. At the end of the first 24 hours we are on the rhum (or could it be rum?) line with 2674 miles to go and dolphins all around. All' well above Maymio.. read more...

Maymio - Day 4 of Atlantic crossing.

Four nights at sea and a different sail set each one. First night beam reach then spinnaker run then goose winged and last night close hauled. We should relish the variety as once we hit the trade winds it will be down wind all the way until we turn left around Pigeon Island.Our plan was to head south early and  hopefully avoid the light winds predicted to the west, this doesn't appear to have been a popular choice as we have seen very few yachts around us. Nights watches have been highlighted by many cargo ships tracking up and down the African coast. Dusk and dawn brings the dolphins in huge pods, we never tire of their visit and look forward to the antics of the group's show off who can jump higher than the rest. It's a busy life we lead, always jobs to do. The technology on. read more...

Maymio - Six days at sea and the wind won't play the game.

100 miles north of Cape Verde Islands After two days of feeling smug about our progress southwards we are now eating humble pie having found several big holes in the wind as we try to make some westing. Daily emails of positions and estimated date of arrival in St Lucia have turned us from rallyers to racers! Not really, but it's good to know the progress of the other Malo and the rest of the fleet. It's amazing that after just four days we have seen no other yacht on the horizon. We do know that they are out there though because Robbie as one of the net controllers (radio communication coordinator), speaks daily to other HF radio users and finds out the gossip, most of which is about the weather. Word on the net is we're in for some nasty stuff from the south on. read more...

Maymio - the trade winds absent from duty

Not as advertised - the trade winds absent from duty Anyone who claims a westward Atlantic crossing at this time of year from the Canaries is 'all downhill' in trade winds with romping easy sailing could in future be pursued under the trades description act. At least, though. we now have wind, and we are going in the right direction with just over 2000 miles to go. The frustrations of wind zithers and sail changes akin to a certain lady's undergarments have been replaced by grey skies, choppy seas and wind hard on the nose more reminiscent of the English Channel. The fleet, widely dispersed, had been contemplating over the radio net Christmas at sea. This has been replaced by reports of some 30 boats calling into the only marina in the Cape Verde Islands for. read more...