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Luna Quest - Sunday, 28th February, 2016



Noon Position: 03.21N 46.25W

Daily run: 160 logged miles

Our hopes of yesterday were fulfilled. Other than one feeble squall in the early evening, the northeast trade winds had clearly won the battle with the wayward doldrum winds and vicious squalls. We had not seen the sun since we rounded the northeast point of Brazil, but the lighter grey sky and the apparent absence of atmospheric turbulence gave us hope that we were coming out of the doldrums. All night the trade winds held steady never letting Luna Quest’s speed fall below 6.5 knots.

Today, daybreak started with not a cloud in the sky and our hearts leaped for joy as the doldrums had clearly given up. The trade winds have been gathering in strength and at 20 knots are pushing Luna Quest at over 7 knots towards Grenada. We have had an email from Rally Control in Cowes warning us against piracy between Trinidad and Grenada, in the very area where we have sailed before. There was an attack in December by Venezuelan (fisher?)men in fast pirogues that carry outboards with 150hp. To put that in perspective, the horse power we have for our dinghy is 5hp and is a little excessive, while the horsepower of Luna Quest’s engine is 38hp. The attack is the second on a yacht we have heard of. Our strategy is to pass Tobago well to the North under cover of darkness (i.e. not having any navigation lights on) and employ our AIS receiver only (i.e. not the transponder). The authorities in Trinidad, Tobago and Grenada have been warned of our coming and the yellow brick will help them locate us at all times. It is expected that the pirates do not have the yellow brick technology as reception relies on internet availability.

Eric



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