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

Menu

Boni Venti - LOG DAY ONE - THE ADVENTURE BEGINS



Exciting to leave the dock at Las Palmas on Sunday morning at 11.38, forming an orderly queue to leave the marina, with the local Spanish bands bidding us farewell from the shore. Gavin on the helm for the pre-start manouverings, with the main and genoa up for the downwind start at 13.00. The race fleet left 30 mins before us, with Rambler leading the way, and then the fleet of 30-odd catamarans. Sunny weather, wind from the north-east at 9 kts, so not exactly a speedy start. Asymmetric spinnaker flying shortly after start until 19.00 with Jonathan on the helm – initial report on helming – ‘could do better’, but fortunately we’ve got a lot of time to practice! Steering a southerly course to avoid the wind shadow from the Canaries, particularly from Las Palmas & Tenerife, which extends 50-odd miles south of the islands.  Currently goose-winged with the genoa poled out. Very benign sea state, so a fantastic shepherd’s pie from Karen’s stash of freezer food was just what we needed, accompanied by a decent Rioja Reserve. Writing this at 11.15 on Monday –  wind down to 5.4kts and boat speed 3kts, should pick up later this evening. Cloudy, 23.5 degs & c 50% humidity, so shorts & tee shirts weather at the moment.   Great start to the ARC but it would be helpful if the wind gods would send something in our direction soon! Skipper & crew in fine fettle, watch system up & running on the basis of 3 hours on, 6 hours off, which allows for some decent sleep. Water generator topping up the batteries and steering with the wind vane to conserve battery power which would otherwise be used by the autopilot. Best wishes to all our friends & family reading this blog! Jonathan.

 

455E0580D939416396344879D6F31198


Previous | Next