Distance covered in last 24 hours 142 NM, distance to Horta, Azores 1678 NM
The last 24 hours have been a day of compete contrast. Yesterday wind and seas were easing to the point where we had to give up on sailing and switch on the engine in the early afternoon. By then it was calm enough to bake bread and open the hatches to allow the boat to air. We even had showers! In the late afternoon we were visited by a flock of beautiful long tailed white tropic birds that followed the boat for almost an hour. By sunset the seas were almost flat calm.
Overnight that all changed. The winds picked up and the engine was turned off around 1am. By 5am we were all on deck putting a second reef in the main and staysail. We are now bouncing along, close hauled , in 2m waves and 20 knot winds. It’s sunny and we’re still making good progress, and we’re looking forward to getting through this changeable weather to hit the westerly wind stream just north of us. Kai, our meteorologist, has then advised that once we pick up the westerlies we should head south east to avoid some stormy low pressure areas further north. If you’re following our track then this will explain why we’re not following the rhum line to Horta.
Always good to see a cheerful baker. Bread looks good.
Thanks Chris,
Really enjoying the trip,
Peter