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Indulgence - Blog 9 : Nantucket Sleigh Ride and our first night at sea.




Blog 9 : Nantucket Sleigh Ride and our first night at sea.

Current Position: N 26o 36" 6 W 18o 04" 82'
Exactly 62nm south of Hierro island.

Day 1, distance covered : 168 nm

Current Speed : 7.2knots

Distance to Finish : 2510 nm

* * * * *

"Goodbye, little Robin-Marie
Don't try following me

My ship's leaving on a three-year tour
The next tide will take us from shore
Windlaced, gather in sail and spray
On a search for the mighty sperm whale"


The lyrics of Nantucket Sleigh Ride were about to take on a whole new meaning as Dulgie pulled off from the marina at Las Palmas, set for Rodney Bay on the first day of our ARC passage. Aidan liked to remind of us his favourite song the night before as we huddled around an iPad with a failing internet connection singing along. Better make the most of it now.

Passing through the gates at 10.30am, the seas got lumpy and large and we knew it would be a rocky start. The wind speed showed low twenties and we carried a full main and headsail. This was quickly reduced to a third reef and shallow headsail as several squalls came through, reminding us of our home sailing grounds in West Cork or a dirty November night near Roches Point.

For some of the crew, we struggled to get our sea legs, afraid to go below deck for most of the afternoon. Taking the helm and surfing down the waves, we reached records speeds for Indulgence. The clock showed 10.3 and even at one stage during the night over 11 knots. We were flying!.

As the night set in, we had a full moon and our course was dictated by waves and wind. We slowly got into a rhythm until a rouge wave almost took our outboard engine Seamus. Below deck, sleeping conditions were uncomfortable as John slept in the foetal position wedged between cushions, a table and feet pressed to the side. Joleen on the other hand cradled several rucksacks, a suitcase and a guitar, while Denis failed to sleep all night. We think Aidan was fine in his "coffin". We will never know as are all afraid to go in there.

And now, on day two, we've just cast out "Flash" our squid lure in the hope of catching some Mahi Mahi fish. At 7.2knots, we hope that dinner will be tasty and that Nantucket Sleigh Ride conditions don't get too carried away.
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