We have finally caught the tradewinds. Bashed to windward more yesterday then broke off into a broad reach. The seas are in a lumpy state though so there is much water coming over the bow and into the cockpit.
Now we are cruising along at 11-13knts with the shy kite (aka chicken chute). We delayed setting it last night in the dark as a chaotic mistake would have cost us far more time than the downwind speed.
We also got out of the cloud cover last night so we were able to steer by the stars. Should be a nice sunny day.
The feeding frenzy has diminished but it is expected to pick up as the real work begins now. Constant trimming and hard driving.
Last night's dinner was voted a 7.5: Tomatoes as a starter, then dried greenbeans, followed by chicken fettuccine with two slices of bread. Despite the ranking, there were no leftovers.
We understand that the fleet has split into a Northern and Southern, and that Urge is in the middle. This is according to plan as it gives us more options. The only real question is how much the other boats gained on us during this waterline contest. Now that we are downwind we think Urge will hold its own.
Expedition is still calling for an arrival on the 18th or 19th.
On corrected time, we owe Rhumboogie 7 hrs, while Por Favor owes us 2 hrs and Jamini 5 hrs.The Synergy1000 owe us approx 14 hrs. In the downwind portion of the race, we have to get 70 miles ahead of Rhumboogie and stay within 140 miles of the Synergies.
The crew is doing great- we even have proper head (toilet) etiquette worked out!
That is it for now- time for a rest.
James
No comments:
Post a Comment