Sunday 4th January 2009
TWISTLING WITH THE TRADES
During the night and early morning the winds continued to back to the south. However, we crept along on a course of 295 degrees, putting more west in our course to maintain the boat speed, allowing the wind to get no further behind us than 120 degrees off our port bow. This resulted in us being quite a way south/west of the rhumb line (the direct line between Cape Town and St Helena) but we agreed to rig the noble and untiring Twistle Rig at first light.
And indeed we did. With 2 poled out headsails we could alter our course to 315 degrees, allowing the wind to nudge us along from astern. Delightful, delightful, delightful, no other words for it really. You see, Quasar V has had a love affair with her reliable Twistle rig for many years, they saunter along in natural harmony, cantering along at a robust rate of 7.5 knots, although there was one occasion, about 3 years ago, when they fought vigorously; it ended in tears with the yankee poles smashed, terrible business that was.
The only downside so far on this trip has been Sam's involuntary gifts to Neptune - his lunch, followed by his supper. Rather generous offerings from the new boy on the boat but in true stoical fashion he continues to stand his watch.
All good here as we continue to cweam along at 8 knots as dusk descends and the Twistle rig loyally thrusts us closer to our destination.
Position @ 0700UTC 4.1.09: 33.03S 16.29E