Tom Tom - Day 7

This is what ocean rallying is all about - a wonderful night of sailing. After yesterday's thunderstorms, with its 45 knot gusts, conditions are now as close to perfect as they could be - small puffy clouds highlighted by the waning moon - calmer seas, and 10-15 knots of breeze. After beating to the east, we've picked up a south easterly breezy, a little off the nose, but the boat is beautifully balanced and running well as we enjoy the occasional lifts from the wind moving to the east and then the forecast north east trades as we approach Tortola. An honorary mention has been requested by the crew of the exceptional culinary skills demonstrated in the preparation of the freshly caught Mahi Mahi - enjoyed again last night with a little lime, olive oil, butter & soy. read more...

Tom Tom - Day 6

Another interesting, and at times very challenging day. We began with little or no wind, which gave us a chance to throw out a line - and our first catch of the rally: a 7-8lb Mahi Mahi - which was enjoyed (by 3 of the crew) for dinner. The evening brought wind and some major and menacing thunderstorm cells, which we had to spend most of the night and this morning dodging - unfortunately mostly under engine power. We can assure you that alcohol played no part in the seemingly random nature of our track overnight!Just after lunch now and the worst of the squalls are behind us. We are making 7.5kts under sail, beating to the wind. Hopefully these winds will hold up all the way to TortolaTeam Tom Tom. read more...

Tom Tom - Day 5

Somewhat despondent today as we have found ourselves stuck under the center of another low, resulting in more light airs. Even the anaconda won't fly in the swell, so we have ended up running the motor for much longer than we would have liked.Spending today hunting for wind - heading more east to find the trades. Pays to listen to the advice of those that have done this trip before.Crew is taking the opportunity to get a few zzzs under the tropical blue skies (and yes, we are lathered in sun screen)Quick update: we've found some wind - so all hands to the sailsTeam Tom Tom. read more...

Tom Tom - Day 4

Woke this morning to beautiful sailing weather following a challenging overnight period, where we sailed through pretty much every point of sail, including the Iron Jenny as a Low front passed right over head. We just hit the half way point in the race by distance, and celebrated by dousing the forward head in salt water due to a hatch inadvertently left open. Discovered that electric heads don't like being doused in salt water - lost use of head for a while - while we repaired the broken flush switch.Perfect downwind sailing today so we will be raising the Anaconda shortly. Team all in good spirits, despite lack of sleep by crew (captain is getting plenty of sleep)Team Tom Tom. read more...

Tom Tom - Day 3

What a difference a day makes!Following yesterday's calm, we enjoyed wonderful sailing conditions overnight under a full moon. The wind has been steadily picking up and we are well reefed.Waves today are up to 11 ft - keeping the foredeck awash, but unfortunately resulting in strain on the dinghy which simultaneously sheered two rear fixings.Temporary repairs have been made. . read more...