Rockin and a Rollin, Rollin and a Rockin. We have hit the trade winds and
the SWELL! It takes ten times as much effort to do anything, as we are being
thrown around in all directions. At times there has been about 3 metres of swell
and we are touching eight knots as we surf down the waves.
Sadly the Hydrovane is not liking the conditions and failed again last
night, so we were having to take it in turns to hand steer – not easy in the
dark, and with this swell. Repairs made today which involved skipper harnessed
to the back of the boat as he hung off to slide the rudder back into
position.
The banana cake I made, to cheer the crew up at elevenses, ended up sliding
down the back of the oven due to the swell.
We have been in radio contact with two other boats who are sailing on
parallel courses to us. One, a family boat, is having trouble with their water
maker, and both, like us are having problems with the swell.
More Kamikaze flying fish have hit the deck – it is quite weird seeing them
take off in front of the boat, those on the starboard bow glowing green and the
port side ones glow green, they give the impression of frogs jumping out of the
way of the boat.
We think we are about half way in terms of number of days left until we
arrive in St Lucia, given the same winds as we are currently experiencing,
hopefully NOT the same swell!
Judith