Chula - Chula Log 07 - The last 1000

When our waypoint count down reached the last thousand NM there was a definite shift in atmosphere, the log book had a dedicated entry for the moment. Since then we've been trying to quantify the remaining distance by comparing it to previous passages, after all a passage of this scale is pretty hard to get your head around before you experience it for real. 800nm the distance from Las Palmas to Cape Verde (8 days)600nm our Biscay crossing (West Wales to A Coruna - 5 days)300nm Vigo, Galica to Cascais, Portugaland next will be 120nm West Wales to Scilly, 80nm Cardiff to Pembroke.The last thousand has had a distinctly different feel to it, the trade winds have established resulting in fewer sail changes and just the occasional gybe to keep on track. We have experimented with various sail. read more...

Chula - Chula Log 06 - Only use what you need

Over the last winter during our long hours of our refit I had spent many an hour listening to podcasts from Fully Charged. I suppose having a plug-in hybrid car was the stimulus but we have also always had the interest in doing what we can with Chula to be as green as we can. The podcast show talks about everything from electric cars to solar charging, generation and green systems.On the way down to Las Palmas I met a really interesting couple off a boat from who said to me the three most important things on a green boat were "1: only use what you need", "2: only use what you need" and I'm sure you can guess what the third item was.Peter was the first to sail around the globe fossil free on a modest purpose built boat with a number of simple solutions to keep as green as possible. Have a. read more...

Chula - Chula Log 05 - The Squall

At dusk on Monday we experienced our first proper Atlantic squall. We had a few minor squalls throughout the day but as the sun went down a huge black cloud loomed over us and it was clear we were going to end up in the middle of it. The front of the squall came with the last of the daylight, it looked and felt like a giant mouth, with heavy rain on each side and a dark front it gave us the feeling of being swallowed by a giant. The wind shifted drastically, up to 90 degrees at times and then all we could do was wait to see what it had in-store for us.We had just had dinner and were about to open a cool (non-alcoholic) beer to celebrate reaching the half way point of our crossing. Chula was set up for downwind on starboard tack with the Hydrovane steering a good course to the wind. As. read more...

Chula - Chula Log 04 - Halfway

We are approaching the half way point of our Atlantic crossing. At least I think we're half way, it's a bit hard to tell. Both the time taken and milage are guestimates as both depend on the weather and the subsequent route we end up on. However our distance travelled is nearly the same as our distance to go (around 1150nm), wahoo! We also reckon we're about halfway in terms of time, 8 days in and 8 ish to go. I've packed a couple of party things to celebrate and we're looking forward to get them out when it's not quite so bouncy!We've had all sorts of weather and luckily only a few hours of motoring so far. Our best day was flying the cruising chute in around 11-15knots of wind with Escapade of London in our sights, there's a nice commradarie sailing alongside a boat you know is doing. read more...

Chula - Chula Log 03 - First 6 Days

I've really struggled to write about the first days of our passage. There's lots to talk about - it's not everyday you set sail to cross the Atlantic after all, but it's taken us 600nm for me to get into the swing of things... Joe and I always wanted to capture 'real life's aspects of sailing so I'll give it a go here - it'll all be forgotten when the wind changes! So why has today been different? It's Wednesday 24th November 6 days into the passage, and probably 11 or so days to go... Today started as usual, staggered starts from Joe, Tim and I as we emerge from our night watch schedule; although last night was a light but steady wind allowing restful sleep rather than sloppy, banging sails. Positive #1!Positive #2; a sat phone text conversation with Coco - we're not alone in. read more...