can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Cleone - CLEONE Leg 8 Day 2 - The North Sea with a Difference



This lumpy sea, grey skies and gusting wind reminds me of the North Sea.
 
The difference is that I am wearing shorts and a life jacket, and what little water that comes over the side is pleasantly warm!  But the seas are short and steep, there are thunderstorms about and we are keeping a careful eye open for squalls, which look set to accompany us all the way to Niue (unless Commanders' Weather has managed to arrange something different for us - I hope to get another forecast from them when I send this off to you).  Last night we put two reefs in the main, even though there was very little wind to speak of and we were motor-sailing.  We needed to keep Cleone powered up so she can make a reasonable passage (else we shall miss the cut-off time) and force her way up and down through the seas.  Towards 9 pm (local time - 0700 UTC) the first of the squalls hit us, and Elizabeth and Will were able to cut the engine and pull out a bit of foresail, and soon, even under this reduced sail-plan, we were fizzing along at over 6 knots.  But the lumpy sea has made it particularly hard work, not just for the helmsman but also for those trying to sleep below.  By daybreak, we had made a reasonable mileage, but the wind remains gusty without the constancy that we have become used to, and it is still an awkward motion and uncomfortable sailing - ask Will.  We are fighting every yard of the way.
 
Niue is still some two hundred and sixty miles away, and there is still no guarantee that the deep water moorings will be tenable.  We need food, fuel, water, beer, gas (for cooking) and if I am any judge, some laundry, and all in pretty short order.  We will have a busy time in Niue, particularly if we are going to see anything of the island, which would be a pity to miss if we are going to be there anyway.  Then off to Tonga and - who knows what - but a reunion with all our World ARC mates and hopefully further delights!
 
All well with us, and best wishes to everyone.
.
 
James, Chris, Elizabeth and Will
Yacht Cleone
At Sea
16.07S 166.25W



Previous | Next