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Clyde Challenger - Crossing the Atlantic, the first half!



The crew were on a high! Brian was on his fiddle giving us a jolly tune as we headed to the start line for our adventure across the Atlantic. With full sails we were achieving speeds of 6-7knots before the wind eased just in time for our first meal of chicken chasseur with rice. As the sun was setting we witnessed a beautiful red sky just before the sound of engines echoed across the now becalmed fleet.

Next morning the wind had picked up and after a change in sail plan we were now averaging 5-6 knots and keeping up with a couple of boats flying spinnaker. The crew are already planning a 
half way party.

Winds steadied overnight at F4-6 with a slight sea fair weather and good visibility. Our average speed was now up slightly to 6-7 Kn in overcast and humid conditions. Around noon we saw a pod of dolphins at the bow of the boat stretching from port to starboard in a straight line. They were jumping out of the water playing on our small bow wave.

The winds remained F5 until just after dinner when we encountered our first summer squall. We reefed the main and rolled away the jib to keep the yacht steady and comfortable. During this time some of the crew took the opportunity to wash their hair in the rain - True sailing!

Following some squalls over the night of 18/19th things have settled down again with SE-ESE winds of force 4-6 with slight sea state, weather fair and visibility good. The rain we have had comes down much harder than anything we normally see in the UK. The Saturday highlight was spotting two whales in the evening which were spotted off the port bow sending the crew scurrying for 
cameras.

Our next major milestone was reached with the first turning back of the clock back by one hour which we will do this again in two days time. After a dinner of pasta Bologneise, garlic bread and banana mousse, we all settled down to another evening of watches or 
heading to bunks.

Reaching the North Equatorial Currents is also helping us along as the crew settle in for another night watch listening to music and enjoying the sun down, whilst waiting for the Formula 1 results via satellite email!

With winds dying again into the 20th it's been another period of motoring. This has allowed for some showers to be had onboard which has been welcomed, unlike the slower 5Kn wind speeds! 
Time for some tunes on deck care of our fiddle player.

Monday night saw high humidity with varying wind directions and very little to no breeze. A mix of sailing and motor sailing saw the yacht through to the morning with winds increasing throughout the day and boat speeds in the range of 6-8 Knots. With watches competing to see how much ground each watch can gain or loose on other yachts in the fleet a bit of a competition is brewing.

Even the host has been set a challenge, to provide some provisions for one of the crew members to cook a traditional Turkish lunch! Challenges all round.

Tuesday saw the Asymmetric spinnaker raised as part of the sail changes to keep the yacht moving. Lighter winds have also allowed some routine maintenance tasks to be carried out, 
including some clothes washing, then hung out on the guard rail to dry! Another clock change must mean we are still making progress!






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