Day 17 - Back to 8 knots or less wind
Bonkers
Donald Macdonald
Fri 24 May 2024 18:58
We have had the last of the good winds on this leg by all the forecasts we have. Up to about 2 hours ago we were still barrelling along at 7 knots now good if we see 3. The seas are still big so very hard to keep the boat going. Last night was particularly pleasant with the waves spaced further apeart and Harold doing a great job again seeing 14 knots on some surfs and averaging 7.5 knots for a good few hours. 345nm to go.
Overnight we got back to full main and unexpectedly the wind did get up this morning so a reef went back in for 5 hours. We ae now back at full main with Code 0 up going a little lower than routing suggests so we can keep her flying and making baot a little more stable. We do expect to be doing some motoring in the next day or so probably over 24 hours of it. Engine last switched on 10 days ago.
Having some great air displays by some birds today just skimming the waves. No crashes seen where the wing just hits the water. There were 3 of them with us all night you could just see them offthe transom, their NVG (Night Vision Goggles) must be briliant.
John saw yesterday when we were doing the high speeds what looked like a telegraph pole pass is about 10 feet away, end on. Does not bear thinking about if hit it bow on.
Small pod od dolphins seen passing us by, not playing must be on a higher rated mission of food.
Talking of food our dinner will be Beef Chunky vegetable soup, mash (if not too rolly as we are on port tack not good for working in the galley), cheese, baguette then Del Monte Peach slices in juice.