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Aretha - Day 3. We're in the trade winds.



it’s 23:29. We’re at 25.01.52 N and 21.01.31 W.

The shifting winds of yesterday today have turned into a settled 15-20 knots from the North East. This is what we were promised - proper trade wind sailing. You can imagine hundreds of years ago the trading boats flying long here with their cargo’s and the words “trade winds” tangibly have new meaning.

We’re sailing a steady 120 apparent wind angle and between 7 and 8 knots pointing directly towards St Lucia - well above our average predicted speed of 150 miles a day. This is good progress.

Daily rig checks today by Nichola and Paul found a couple of split pins which had come out on the inner forestay. These checks are essential to us maintaining a good safe boat. It’s underlined by the 8 or so retirements from the rally by other boats which we discovered by email today - mostly down to rig problems.

We have gales to the North of us between Portugal and Madeira. The impact on us is larger than usual swells of 3-5 metres. Its not especially welcomed by Nichola and Jani who are still searching for their sea legs.

Today was the first shower day. 30 seconds of cold shower at home would be purgatory. Here at sea it’s bliss and the restorative powers are high. We’re managing our water carefully and plan to run the water maker in a day or two’s time. That will be time for hot showers all round.

Fish are surprisingly elusive. Columbus and I have 2 rods set up. Tomorrow brings fresh strategies and lures. We are as optimistic as ever.

We have 3 boats around us this evening. I’m sure there are all 180 boats within a 60-80 mile distance but it’s strange not to see more.

We’re sailing conservatively today - 2 reefs in and half genoa. We know we can go faster but we also know its a marathon not a sprint and taking care to let all the crew settle is more important than speed. I still itch for more sail and speed but know we’re being prudent.

Tomorrow is the first day to start changing the clocks. A one hour shift in boat time accompanied by happy hour all together. That and bacon sandwiches for breakfast.

Back to the night watch.

Over and out from Team Aretha.



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