Amokura - Log Day 8 - Jiving & Gybing!

This morning's big event was gybing the sails. Overnight we had to alter course by a few degrees to keep the genoa filled to stop it slamming and consequently ended up too far north to the tune of 20 miles. We are also noticing more of a set to the north, which the chart shows as the North Equatorial current running at about 1.5knts. We want to ensure we pass well south of Barbados, although still over 600 miles away, so a definite course alteration was needed.
So, all hands on deck, the steps are, firstly furling the genoa (poled out on the boom), slacking off the preventer on the port side, pulling in the mainsheet to bring the boom onto the centre, then rigging the preventer on the starboard side. Next to furl the jib, then lower the spinnaker pole holding it out to the starboard side and move it across to port then raise up into position. Move the boom across to starboard, adjusting the preventer.
Unfurl the genoa and sheet in on starboard side, with some steerage way we can now alter course to port and unfurl the jib. All these steps involve a cats cradle of lines being in the right position and all to be done whilst the boat is corkscrewing over the waves making the foredeck buck up and down. Lifejackets and harnesses were mandatory! As a bonus, our cabin is now on the leeward side and less likely to be sploshed, so we have dared to open the inside window.

As well as adjusting the sails, life on board is enlivened by music, which we play in the galley whilst cooking, and also passes the time on night watch. Vicky was sautee-ing to salsa music last night, but Nic favours electronic dance music when performing chef duties. Mark in the meantime is getting into the Caribbean mindset already by listening to his favourite Reggae!

Minor disasters today, a litre of milk spilling in the fridge and toilet rolls releasing from their moorings and flinging themselves down the heads (loo)!  You just have to laugh and get on with it! Life at sea....

Miles run in last 24 hrs: 160 nm
Average speed 6.66 kts
Distance to Grenada: 779 nm

Signing off...

Liz Brigstocke