Cupid - Cupid - reflections on a boisterous passage, 9 Nov

Our Bowman 40 Cupid has enjoyed a roller coaster ride eating the miles up on route to Mindelo. What she lacks in waterline she makes up with a balanced helm, solid reliability and a surprising turn of speed as the wind picks up. Our strategy has been simple - steer a rumline course after clearing Grand Canaria's wind shadow, with sail plan  wing on wing poled out yankee and main (with staysail added to the mix if wind angles allow), reefing as and when to suit the conditions. We haven't changed that strategy in 4 days and just clocked our best ever 24hr run of 182 nms. I should also add that we hit our top speed ever of 15 kts surfing down a wave...quickly followed by reducing sail to reign in the 'excitement'. That said, sleeping last night for the adults was less than ideal. read more...