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Firefly - Its getting hot as we approach Brazil



All going well on Firefly, we have enjoyed almost 24 hours of perfect sailing, with good breeze of around 12- 15 knots from the east (so right behind us) and clear skies with the occasional cloud. The clouds can generate the odd wind squall raising the wind speed significantly when they pass over so on occasions we have had to quickly furl in the gennaker to avoid any damage and too much excitement as Firefly takes off at speed.
 
We are now well into the tropics and as we move west it is getting a lot warmer, plus the sea temperature up to 25 deg. C. Shade is essential so we extend the bimini with extra sections of canvas to create more shade. Its very hot walking on the unshaded  deck in bear feet! Our three hour watches are long enough to be out on deck even in the shade of the bimini, its much too hot in the direct sunshine.
 
The night watches are fantastic; its cooler and you can appreciate how lucky we are to be out here. The clouds (and squalls) seem to disappear at night and we have a spectacular planetarium to keep us awake and a new moon to light the way.  The Southern Cross, Orion, the Milky Way, and Great Bear are our companions as are the many shooting stars. None of us had sailed the Southern Atlantic before and it has surprised us at how enjoyable a passage its been – no bumpy nights and if we do get the odd cooling rain shower its quite pleasant. All the systems are working well and we have been making water so the tanks are almost full, enough for daily showers which are becoming essential.
 
The poled out gennaker was pulling us along at 6-7 knots - with our ‘Mark 3’ set up arrangement. The previous Mark 2, version with the furler attached to the pole ended up being a mission to de rig. We have approximately 535 nautical miles to Salvador and Gareth has a plane to catch! When we left St Helena there was definitely some doubt about making it in time given the light winds forecast. Firefly has as usual exceeded our expectations and courtesy of the gennaker we have been averaging nearly 150 miles a day despite the light winds. Via the radio net we get everyone’s positions each morning and know that we are sailing faster than all the other WARC yachts – except for the flying Finns on Mearra Nieida who are leaving us behind.
 
As forecast the wind dropped for an hour or so and the motor had to come on to keep us on schedule – it seemed quite noisy with engine on and also more rolly. We don’t expect any sympathy for those enjoying winter at home and the wind is now back and we are on our way again, 6 knots and super smooth.
 
Paul, Gareth and Peter


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