Re: Blue Wonder - Saturday 4th November
Rapier 550 on tour
Mark Jarvis
Sun 5 Dec 2021 13:38
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17 09.9N 051 19.7W
We had a very good last 24 hours now we have the winds
within our sail wardrobe window. The last 24 hours we covered 204nm towards the
final destination, as defined by the ARC team, and only 4 other boats in the
remaining fleet were faster!
If we can continue to sail at this pace then we should
be able to move up another 2 places in our class and a massive 20 places
overall! Once the engine running hours are taken into account the gains are
likely to be more as some the others needed to motor for a long time after the
start whereas we managed to sail pretty soon after we departed.
However, the real benefit of this boat isn't its high
average sailing speeds, it's the way it delivers this with a minimum of
disturbance of effort for the crew and skipper. Other than the watch keeper, the
rest of the crew are making lunch or watching a film whilst the boat sails on at
speeds up to 16 knots!
Did have a minor set back this morning when I checked
why the generator is leaking water and found the Jabsco water pump shaft
seal has failed. Looks like we won't be able to run the washing machine
until we arrive in a couple of days - however, everyone's washing was
pretty much up to date as of yesterday and so that's no too much drama for
another couple of nights. Another little part for the shore crew to bring with
her to St Lucia - dear Audrey!
We have been treated to a range of Swiss evening
meal delicacies by our resident Swiss surgeon and crew
member. Last night's vegan rice and tomato dinner was a typical example -
very nourishing and wholesome!! Shame we had to follow it with treacle
sponge and cream!
Fair winds
Mark
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