Sailing the Atlantic
Steve and Lynne have asked me to create this post to detail their crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, from the Cape Verdes to Barbados.
They plan to send daily update emails via the sat phone, and I will paste those entries in here each evening to show their progress.
Phill.
Day 1 - Monday 30th November 2015
Time:20:55
Position: 16.51.973N by 025.24.945W
Distance to waypoint 1976nm
We finally left the marina early afternoon, and after a slight delay to get the rib back on the davits we headed out. Fairly soon we rolled out the genoa and watched the wind speed and direction become very favorable. All very pleasant for a good while until we noticed the yachts ahead park up. We subsequently found ourselves in the same wind hole. We tried to sail for a while but the wind was fluky and had no strength at all. At one point we found ourselves go backwards at 0.3 of a knot!
Engine now on, but we must have current against us as we are only making 2.6 knots SOG. Hoping that through the night we can pick up the Trades. Perhaps current situation is to do with topography of the islands.
All well apart from that frustration. Watermaker de-pickled with a small leak where I did not nip up the filter housing, will go down on tomorrows to be fixed sheet.
Rice surprise for dinner, but Lynne put a load of chilli flakes in mine. Only just recovering from the after effects of some seriously hot piri piri sauce. Double dose of gaviscon now required.
Not sure if we are out of AIS tracking range for you, but if not you will notice a fair few other yachts going our way.
Boat watches begin at 9 pm UTC
Steve and Lynne xx
Position: 16.51.973N by 025.24.945W
Distance to waypoint 1976nm
We finally left the marina early afternoon, and after a slight delay to get the rib back on the davits we headed out. Fairly soon we rolled out the genoa and watched the wind speed and direction become very favorable. All very pleasant for a good while until we noticed the yachts ahead park up. We subsequently found ourselves in the same wind hole. We tried to sail for a while but the wind was fluky and had no strength at all. At one point we found ourselves go backwards at 0.3 of a knot!
Engine now on, but we must have current against us as we are only making 2.6 knots SOG. Hoping that through the night we can pick up the Trades. Perhaps current situation is to do with topography of the islands.
All well apart from that frustration. Watermaker de-pickled with a small leak where I did not nip up the filter housing, will go down on tomorrows to be fixed sheet.
Rice surprise for dinner, but Lynne put a load of chilli flakes in mine. Only just recovering from the after effects of some seriously hot piri piri sauce. Double dose of gaviscon now required.
Not sure if we are out of AIS tracking range for you, but if not you will notice a fair few other yachts going our way.
Boat watches begin at 9 pm UTC
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 2 - Tuesday 1st December 2015
Time:20:20
Position: 16.49.330N by 027.57.109W
Distance to waypoint:1830nm
Sked 1: 137 nm
The wind appeared last night before midnight and we turned the engine off and sailed under the genoa, which we are continuing to do so.
The sea state was horrible and confused. Some mighty big waves today, some from the stbd aft quarter and some beam on rolling us occasionally to 35 degrees, hence we have not seen to the tightening of the water filter housing.
Not a huge amount of quality sleep either, but managed some catnaps during the day.
Nautilus are currently 4 miles to our stern and can only guesstimate but reckon Cara Mor to be 10 to 15 miles back.
A couple of issues today. We have a power deficit we did not anticipate. Our Duogen in water mode normally keeps us topped at at these speeds however, it is harvesting seaweed and only working at about 50% capacity. We have to slow Azzy right down to bring it out of the water to clean it. Hence we are running the genset for an hour tonight.
Spoke to another yacht headed our way this afternoon. They also left Mindelo at roughly the same time and had conversation on the VHF with both Nautilus and Cara Mor, although suspect Cara Mor may be out of range tomorrow.
The other issue was we recovered about 2 litres of diesel from the bilge under the engine compartment. Lynne thinks it got in there when she changed the pre filter. She did say a lot had poured out!
Chilli Con Carne for dinner.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position: 16.49.330N by 027.57.109W
Distance to waypoint:1830nm
Sked 1: 137 nm
The wind appeared last night before midnight and we turned the engine off and sailed under the genoa, which we are continuing to do so.
The sea state was horrible and confused. Some mighty big waves today, some from the stbd aft quarter and some beam on rolling us occasionally to 35 degrees, hence we have not seen to the tightening of the water filter housing.
Not a huge amount of quality sleep either, but managed some catnaps during the day.
Nautilus are currently 4 miles to our stern and can only guesstimate but reckon Cara Mor to be 10 to 15 miles back.
A couple of issues today. We have a power deficit we did not anticipate. Our Duogen in water mode normally keeps us topped at at these speeds however, it is harvesting seaweed and only working at about 50% capacity. We have to slow Azzy right down to bring it out of the water to clean it. Hence we are running the genset for an hour tonight.
Spoke to another yacht headed our way this afternoon. They also left Mindelo at roughly the same time and had conversation on the VHF with both Nautilus and Cara Mor, although suspect Cara Mor may be out of range tomorrow.
The other issue was we recovered about 2 litres of diesel from the bilge under the engine compartment. Lynne thinks it got in there when she changed the pre filter. She did say a lot had poured out!
Chilli Con Carne for dinner.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 3 - Wednesday 2nd December 2015
Time:20:41 UTC
Position:16.40.010N by 030.29.855W
Distance to waypoint
Last sked 153.1 in 24h
Not too bad a night. Kept sailing all the way through but several seaweed removal sessions for the Duogen. Less seaweed during day. However boat speed slower so not generating enough to cover requirements.
Very hot and sunny all day.
Wind dropped today, not great for our heading. Two choices, aim for Cuba or Brazil. Actually we came up with plan C to pole out the genoa so we can run almost dead down. Doing between 5 and 6 knots but on rhumb line. Pole has reduced the rolling considerably, so much so we showered on board today and have run the watermaker for an hour.
Lots of dead flying fish on the boat this morning.
Spoke to Nautilus today which was great as we are still in VHF contact. Cara Mor about 20 to the North East. A problem with the self steering vane is preventing them getting the angle they need.
Stir Fry noodles with vegetable in hoi sin sauce for dinner. Great job Lynne.
Can see the nav lights of another yacht going our way, a catamaran which will overtake us during the night.
Wind due to increase first to 18 knots and then to 21, have rigged pole in such a way it can be left out if we need to furl the genoa.
Position:16.40.010N by 030.29.855W
Distance to waypoint
Last sked 153.1 in 24h
Not too bad a night. Kept sailing all the way through but several seaweed removal sessions for the Duogen. Less seaweed during day. However boat speed slower so not generating enough to cover requirements.
Very hot and sunny all day.
Wind dropped today, not great for our heading. Two choices, aim for Cuba or Brazil. Actually we came up with plan C to pole out the genoa so we can run almost dead down. Doing between 5 and 6 knots but on rhumb line. Pole has reduced the rolling considerably, so much so we showered on board today and have run the watermaker for an hour.
Lots of dead flying fish on the boat this morning.
Spoke to Nautilus today which was great as we are still in VHF contact. Cara Mor about 20 to the North East. A problem with the self steering vane is preventing them getting the angle they need.
Stir Fry noodles with vegetable in hoi sin sauce for dinner. Great job Lynne.
Can see the nav lights of another yacht going our way, a catamaran which will overtake us during the night.
Wind due to increase first to 18 knots and then to 21, have rigged pole in such a way it can be left out if we need to furl the genoa.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 4 - Thursday 3rd December 2015
Time:20:44
Position:16.33.590N by 033.07.311W
Distance to waypoint:1540nm
Last sked: 143.3 in 24 hours
Poling out the genoa worked well yesterday afternoon and we held the rhumb line much better than if we had not deployed it. It did get lively in the early hours of the morning and with a wind shift in both speed and direction we put it away. A process that involves great teamwork and I can say the slippery foredeck of a yacht rolling side to side and pitching whilst undoing lines from the bow and midships cleats, releasing the third genoa sheet and putting the pole back up the mast is not an experience I want to repeat soon.
This morning we had huge seas, no photo will do them justice. At least in the dark we cant see how big the waves are but we sure feel them. It has been difficult to get enough sleep between us.
Tonight we have spoken to Nautilus who are about 17nm behind us to the South East and also a new yacht to our party called Blue Lilly (Austrian skipper and 2 crew) who are 2 miles behind us. They also left Mindelo at the same time. About 8 miles off our port beam we have an American flagged catamaran but they have not yet joined the party. Cara Mor continues to fall slightly behind taking a much more Northerly course hindered by their wind vane pilot.
Still finding deceased flying fish and evidence of one that hit the underside of the bimini leaving many scales behind.
Currently trundling along along at between 6.2 and 6.7 knots SOG with COG as near to 280 degrees as we can get.
Dinner was Thai yellow curry
Nights are cool but days are very warm making conditions below difficult to sleep as we cant open any hatches as waves are constantly breaking. We have been soaked many times whilst having a cuppa in the cockpit.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position:16.33.590N by 033.07.311W
Distance to waypoint:1540nm
Last sked: 143.3 in 24 hours
Poling out the genoa worked well yesterday afternoon and we held the rhumb line much better than if we had not deployed it. It did get lively in the early hours of the morning and with a wind shift in both speed and direction we put it away. A process that involves great teamwork and I can say the slippery foredeck of a yacht rolling side to side and pitching whilst undoing lines from the bow and midships cleats, releasing the third genoa sheet and putting the pole back up the mast is not an experience I want to repeat soon.
This morning we had huge seas, no photo will do them justice. At least in the dark we cant see how big the waves are but we sure feel them. It has been difficult to get enough sleep between us.
Tonight we have spoken to Nautilus who are about 17nm behind us to the South East and also a new yacht to our party called Blue Lilly (Austrian skipper and 2 crew) who are 2 miles behind us. They also left Mindelo at the same time. About 8 miles off our port beam we have an American flagged catamaran but they have not yet joined the party. Cara Mor continues to fall slightly behind taking a much more Northerly course hindered by their wind vane pilot.
Still finding deceased flying fish and evidence of one that hit the underside of the bimini leaving many scales behind.
Currently trundling along along at between 6.2 and 6.7 knots SOG with COG as near to 280 degrees as we can get.
Dinner was Thai yellow curry
Nights are cool but days are very warm making conditions below difficult to sleep as we cant open any hatches as waves are constantly breaking. We have been soaked many times whilst having a cuppa in the cockpit.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 5 - Friday 4th December 2015
Time:20:34
Position:16.23.658N by 035.31.217W
Distance to waypoint:1402nm
Last sked:150.2 nm
Great night, rubbish day!
We both had really enjoyable night watches. I did 9 till 12, Lynne 12 to 3 and back to me for 3 to 6, and so on. No moon until the early hours so it is pitch black. Swell was not too bad and wind just right as we made a sort of wooshing sound and glided with the swell for a change. And so back to reality. First job of the day is to check the bilges, two now had a little of the diesel we had been unable to mop up so we took up the floorboards and the non slip matting, washed it dried it and put it back along with all the food containers. This took about an hour by which time we craved a shower. Ran the watermaker up but could not get the TDS below safe drinking levels and output was down 50%. Spent 45 mins then purging the membranes which a special solution, spent another hour purging the purging and start making fresh water again only now the pressure is too high and water bursts forth from the 5 micron filter pressure release valve, into the bilges we had just cleaned and dried. Email sent to dealer to see if a quick fix or we need to buy new membranes which are almost as much as a new unit. No need to ration water but now we have to be careful. We keep bottled water on board as well, still have one full tank and half of the other plus a lot of beer.
We slowed down all day today so that Nautilus could catch up, which they have done. We are also enjoying having the yacht Blue Lilly in sight and chatting on the radio. We have all decided to stay in AIS range so aim is to match boats speeds from now on.
Tonight we have very little wind so once again poled out the genoa so we can hold a tighter course. We are moving along at just under 5 knots.
Ships log shows 613.1 miles covered so now over a quarter of the way to our intended destination. We had a kit kat to celebrate and Lynne is making her fist batch of homemade yogurt.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position:16.23.658N by 035.31.217W
Distance to waypoint:1402nm
Last sked:150.2 nm
Great night, rubbish day!
We both had really enjoyable night watches. I did 9 till 12, Lynne 12 to 3 and back to me for 3 to 6, and so on. No moon until the early hours so it is pitch black. Swell was not too bad and wind just right as we made a sort of wooshing sound and glided with the swell for a change. And so back to reality. First job of the day is to check the bilges, two now had a little of the diesel we had been unable to mop up so we took up the floorboards and the non slip matting, washed it dried it and put it back along with all the food containers. This took about an hour by which time we craved a shower. Ran the watermaker up but could not get the TDS below safe drinking levels and output was down 50%. Spent 45 mins then purging the membranes which a special solution, spent another hour purging the purging and start making fresh water again only now the pressure is too high and water bursts forth from the 5 micron filter pressure release valve, into the bilges we had just cleaned and dried. Email sent to dealer to see if a quick fix or we need to buy new membranes which are almost as much as a new unit. No need to ration water but now we have to be careful. We keep bottled water on board as well, still have one full tank and half of the other plus a lot of beer.
We slowed down all day today so that Nautilus could catch up, which they have done. We are also enjoying having the yacht Blue Lilly in sight and chatting on the radio. We have all decided to stay in AIS range so aim is to match boats speeds from now on.
Tonight we have very little wind so once again poled out the genoa so we can hold a tighter course. We are moving along at just under 5 knots.
Ships log shows 613.1 miles covered so now over a quarter of the way to our intended destination. We had a kit kat to celebrate and Lynne is making her fist batch of homemade yogurt.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 6 - Saturday 5th December 2015
Time: 20:46
Position:16.19.655N by 037.39.636W
Distance to waypoint:1279nm
Last sked:128.1nm
Not too bad a night, no records in the speed department but no squalls either.
Homemade yogurt worked a treat and made an appearance in the cereal bowls this morning, yummy.
Enjoyed our 10am banter with Blue Lilly and Nautilus who have started a fishing competition. Blue Lilly currently in the lead by 1. We have not entered as still have freezer full of meals.
Update on the watermaker is not so good. We had a helpful response back from the dealer and tried the suggestions to no avail. Will start to make arrangements next week to track down a set of new membranes.
Progress this afternoon has been painfully slow, at time just over 3 knots as wind turned off. Grib files show little pickup in the next 48 hours, but a useful change in direction which will help us get back on the rhumb line so we can make better VMG.
Going so slowly we have removed the duogen from the water to save drag, and made the most of running the genset this evening by watching an episode of Breaking Bad on the TV.
Currently doing between 4 and 5 knots, but sea is fairly calm by Atlantic standards.
Can see the nav lights of Nautilus and Blue Lilly which is always nice during the lonely night watches.
7 dead flying fish on the deck this morning!
Steve and Lynne xx
Position:16.19.655N by 037.39.636W
Distance to waypoint:1279nm
Last sked:128.1nm
Not too bad a night, no records in the speed department but no squalls either.
Homemade yogurt worked a treat and made an appearance in the cereal bowls this morning, yummy.
Enjoyed our 10am banter with Blue Lilly and Nautilus who have started a fishing competition. Blue Lilly currently in the lead by 1. We have not entered as still have freezer full of meals.
Update on the watermaker is not so good. We had a helpful response back from the dealer and tried the suggestions to no avail. Will start to make arrangements next week to track down a set of new membranes.
Progress this afternoon has been painfully slow, at time just over 3 knots as wind turned off. Grib files show little pickup in the next 48 hours, but a useful change in direction which will help us get back on the rhumb line so we can make better VMG.
Going so slowly we have removed the duogen from the water to save drag, and made the most of running the genset this evening by watching an episode of Breaking Bad on the TV.
Currently doing between 4 and 5 knots, but sea is fairly calm by Atlantic standards.
Can see the nav lights of Nautilus and Blue Lilly which is always nice during the lonely night watches.
7 dead flying fish on the deck this morning!
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 7 - Sunday 6th December 2015
Time:21:16
Position: 16.21.216N by 039.37.889W
Distance to waypoint:1166nm
Last sked:103.2nm
Light winds hampered our progress last night. Even poled out we could not stop the genoa flogging so headed NW to get a better wind angle. Sadly this means our little group have temporarily split up, well that is we from them. This morning at 9 am we went to take the pole down to fly the asymmetric however, the stopper knot had slid through the jaw and become stuck. Not an easy solution as the knot is out of reach, but after over an hour we managed to free it up. Then we wasted no time getting the chute up and made contact with Nautilus and Blue Lilly to let them know what had happened, as time had marched past our usual 10.00 check in. We need to make some speed to keep the duogen going, so once again headed North West taking us away from the others. After a long day we are now able to pole out once again and get back on the rhumb line, no doubt some distance behind. No response from the others on the radio tonight either so out of VHF range.
Will get a better idea when Ian sends his daily position update at midday tomorrow.
Until we get an increase in the wind to 20 knots which should be on Tuesday, we will have to continue to make snail like progress.
Very hot today so full bimini up which cooled things right down.
To conserve power in the evenings we only have one plotter on and have turned off the fridge.
Conditions are pleasant tonight so we are going to try a 6 hour on 6 off watch, with Lynne off first to try and get some solid sleep.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position: 16.21.216N by 039.37.889W
Distance to waypoint:1166nm
Last sked:103.2nm
Light winds hampered our progress last night. Even poled out we could not stop the genoa flogging so headed NW to get a better wind angle. Sadly this means our little group have temporarily split up, well that is we from them. This morning at 9 am we went to take the pole down to fly the asymmetric however, the stopper knot had slid through the jaw and become stuck. Not an easy solution as the knot is out of reach, but after over an hour we managed to free it up. Then we wasted no time getting the chute up and made contact with Nautilus and Blue Lilly to let them know what had happened, as time had marched past our usual 10.00 check in. We need to make some speed to keep the duogen going, so once again headed North West taking us away from the others. After a long day we are now able to pole out once again and get back on the rhumb line, no doubt some distance behind. No response from the others on the radio tonight either so out of VHF range.
Will get a better idea when Ian sends his daily position update at midday tomorrow.
Until we get an increase in the wind to 20 knots which should be on Tuesday, we will have to continue to make snail like progress.
Very hot today so full bimini up which cooled things right down.
To conserve power in the evenings we only have one plotter on and have turned off the fridge.
Conditions are pleasant tonight so we are going to try a 6 hour on 6 off watch, with Lynne off first to try and get some solid sleep.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 8 - Monday 7th December 2015
Time:20:45 UTC
Position: 16.05.710N by 041.45.697W
Distance to waypoint:1043
Last sked:113.3 nm
Last night witnessed our first mid Atlantic squalls. Thankfully nothing too serious and the rain was welcome as it cleaned some of the salt and sand off the rigging. Our radar showed them up a treat so from now on we have set up a guard zone behind us. 16 nm at a 90 degree spread. By turning down the sea clutter we have a clear zone to trigger an alarm if a squall shows up. The radar is now on an automatic setting whereby it turns itself on every 15 minutes and does 20 sweeps. If anything is in the guard zone it will sound an alarm. The good news is we have converged back with Nautilus and as they dont have radar we can keep a look out for them also. Blue Lilly are some 20 miles behind but hoping with twin poled out headsails they will make a big in road into that tomorrow.
Lynne made bread today so toast and marmalade to go with the coffee for breakfast tomorrow.
Winds still light and some swell again to help add to our bruise tally.
Added 2 more clearing lines to the Duogen to try and keep the seaweed at bay so will see if they work.
COG is 280 degrees so bang on the rhumb line and current SOG is 5.2. The trip shows 958.8nm done so will start the countdown to the rum punch from tomorrow
More ideas re the faulty water maker came through via email from the supplier but nothing we can deal with on the move, at least if the swell continues as it means accessing an electrical junction box deep within the installation.
The 6 hour on/off watch system did not really work for us so going to try 4 on 4 off tonight.
Next job is to call up Blue Lilly at 9 and wish them a good evening as have already spoken with Nautilus and now in AIS range.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position: 16.05.710N by 041.45.697W
Distance to waypoint:1043
Last sked:113.3 nm
Last night witnessed our first mid Atlantic squalls. Thankfully nothing too serious and the rain was welcome as it cleaned some of the salt and sand off the rigging. Our radar showed them up a treat so from now on we have set up a guard zone behind us. 16 nm at a 90 degree spread. By turning down the sea clutter we have a clear zone to trigger an alarm if a squall shows up. The radar is now on an automatic setting whereby it turns itself on every 15 minutes and does 20 sweeps. If anything is in the guard zone it will sound an alarm. The good news is we have converged back with Nautilus and as they dont have radar we can keep a look out for them also. Blue Lilly are some 20 miles behind but hoping with twin poled out headsails they will make a big in road into that tomorrow.
Lynne made bread today so toast and marmalade to go with the coffee for breakfast tomorrow.
Winds still light and some swell again to help add to our bruise tally.
Added 2 more clearing lines to the Duogen to try and keep the seaweed at bay so will see if they work.
COG is 280 degrees so bang on the rhumb line and current SOG is 5.2. The trip shows 958.8nm done so will start the countdown to the rum punch from tomorrow
More ideas re the faulty water maker came through via email from the supplier but nothing we can deal with on the move, at least if the swell continues as it means accessing an electrical junction box deep within the installation.
The 6 hour on/off watch system did not really work for us so going to try 4 on 4 off tonight.
Next job is to call up Blue Lilly at 9 and wish them a good evening as have already spoken with Nautilus and now in AIS range.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 9 - Tuesday 8th December 2015
Time:21:07
Position:15.50.802N by 043.59.024W
Distance to waypoint:913.5
Last sked:129.4nm
Steady as she goes. The increased wind forecast did not happen, in fact the next few days look to be the same. Not enough boat speed for the Duogen to make much power, and in anycase we are sailing through huge swathes of seaweed which clog it up almost as soon as we clean it and put it back in the water. Blue Lilly like us are having problems generating enough power. They hand steered for much of the day to save autopilot power. Something we will need to do tomorrow.
A few squalls around last night but none of them bothered us, about 20 miles to the SE Blue Lilly copped a major rain squall but thankfully no strong winds with it.
The 4 on 4 off shift did not work either so we are going back to the 3 on 3 off profile with catnaps during the day.
It is very hot and sunny and still an amazing amount of flying fish.
Just turned the radar on as it has gone dark. One minute it is light, and then dark with no real dusk.
Switched to water tank 2, the larger capacity one today, and using the salt water tap at the sink to rinse the pots and pans etc.
We passed the halfway 1000 nm mark in the early hours so counting down to Barbados now. Having done a 1000 miles non stop we are also now full members of the Ocean Cruising Club, and very proud to think our names will appear in the next members yearbook.
Beef stew for dinner and even found some horseradish sauce, very tasty thank you Lynne.
One of the extension arms on our davits has gone for a swim. It does not compromise the way the rib sits on the davits but we do need a replacement. If anyone would like to volunteer to find out if it is possible to get a replacement that would be great. We have Lawrence Simpson 75kg davits and it is the extension part that telescopes out of the arm on the port side.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position:15.50.802N by 043.59.024W
Distance to waypoint:913.5
Last sked:129.4nm
Steady as she goes. The increased wind forecast did not happen, in fact the next few days look to be the same. Not enough boat speed for the Duogen to make much power, and in anycase we are sailing through huge swathes of seaweed which clog it up almost as soon as we clean it and put it back in the water. Blue Lilly like us are having problems generating enough power. They hand steered for much of the day to save autopilot power. Something we will need to do tomorrow.
A few squalls around last night but none of them bothered us, about 20 miles to the SE Blue Lilly copped a major rain squall but thankfully no strong winds with it.
The 4 on 4 off shift did not work either so we are going back to the 3 on 3 off profile with catnaps during the day.
It is very hot and sunny and still an amazing amount of flying fish.
Just turned the radar on as it has gone dark. One minute it is light, and then dark with no real dusk.
Switched to water tank 2, the larger capacity one today, and using the salt water tap at the sink to rinse the pots and pans etc.
We passed the halfway 1000 nm mark in the early hours so counting down to Barbados now. Having done a 1000 miles non stop we are also now full members of the Ocean Cruising Club, and very proud to think our names will appear in the next members yearbook.
Beef stew for dinner and even found some horseradish sauce, very tasty thank you Lynne.
One of the extension arms on our davits has gone for a swim. It does not compromise the way the rib sits on the davits but we do need a replacement. If anyone would like to volunteer to find out if it is possible to get a replacement that would be great. We have Lawrence Simpson 75kg davits and it is the extension part that telescopes out of the arm on the port side.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 10 - Wednesday 9th December 2015
Time: 20:50
Position:15.35.710N by 046.02.104W
Distance to waypoint: 794nm
Last sked:120.1 nm
Despite a few squalls last night we both managed to get at least 2 of our 3 hour off watch sleep. Today has seen frustratingly light winds again. No idea how we would be on any kind of course without the whisker pole, it is fantastic at allowing us to run deep.
Mainly housekeeping today, boring but has to be done. Oven cleaned, heads cleaned, polishing and dusting.
Blue Lilly are within inches of VHF range of Cara Mor, maybe tomorrow our little flotilla will have John and Eileen back in the fray.
Seaweed continues to be the bain. In the end we have a technique so we just lift the duogen out of the water and give it a vigorous shake, not all comes off but it helps. Ran the engine this morning as the smart regulator pumps double the amps into the batteries compared to the genset and they needed refreshing having used the radar most of the evening.
Hard to call the wind situation and the forecast is subtly varying everyday. Anything over 15 knots true and we can make 5 knots SOG despite the swell. Much less than that and it gets tedious. 20 knots of wind on this heading would be fine.
Just got soaked by a massive squall and now in full wet weather gear and Lynne has just shouted down to say the next one is about 5 mins away so better go.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position:15.35.710N by 046.02.104W
Distance to waypoint: 794nm
Last sked:120.1 nm
Despite a few squalls last night we both managed to get at least 2 of our 3 hour off watch sleep. Today has seen frustratingly light winds again. No idea how we would be on any kind of course without the whisker pole, it is fantastic at allowing us to run deep.
Mainly housekeeping today, boring but has to be done. Oven cleaned, heads cleaned, polishing and dusting.
Blue Lilly are within inches of VHF range of Cara Mor, maybe tomorrow our little flotilla will have John and Eileen back in the fray.
Seaweed continues to be the bain. In the end we have a technique so we just lift the duogen out of the water and give it a vigorous shake, not all comes off but it helps. Ran the engine this morning as the smart regulator pumps double the amps into the batteries compared to the genset and they needed refreshing having used the radar most of the evening.
Hard to call the wind situation and the forecast is subtly varying everyday. Anything over 15 knots true and we can make 5 knots SOG despite the swell. Much less than that and it gets tedious. 20 knots of wind on this heading would be fine.
Just got soaked by a massive squall and now in full wet weather gear and Lynne has just shouted down to say the next one is about 5 mins away so better go.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 11 - Thursday 10th December 2015
Time:21:43 UTC
Position:15.12.062N by 048.26.495W
Distance to waypoint:652.9
Last sked:134nm
For those interested our waypoint is not our port of entry as this is in the NW but near the top of the island and is 13.23.285N by 059.30.956W. Still a little way to go after we reach it but it serves a purpose for navigation.
Talking to Blue Lilly we missed the worst of the squalls last night. They had to put all the sails in and had 35 knots of wind and a lot of rain. The squalls move so fast radar is the only way to pick them out, even then we have watched them form out of thin air. Not much you can do other than get wet, reef quickly and hope they dont last long.
We did have good wind strength through the night and made better progress than we have done in some time. Because it is pitch black it strains the senses as you feel as though the boat is moving really fast, also it is loud in the cockpit with the noise of the water rushing by and the Atlantic rollers breaking behind.
We moved further South than normal in the night as the angle was good to make this move, and now we are back on the rhumb line.
Happy to report considerably less seaweed so the Duogen has had moments of making a reasonable contribution. Will clean it every 3 hours when we change shifts.
As I look at the plotter I can see Nautilus and two other yachts that have joined us. One about 16 miles away, and the other about 8. Too late to call them up tonight but will try and make contact via C16 tomorrow.
Chicken casserole tonight with lentils and potatoes, followed by Angel Delight strawberry flavour. Thanks for bringing the packets out to Tenerife Laura.
At the time of writing we have about 12 knots of true wind and are making 5.7knots SOG with a COG of 272 degrees. Continuing under poled out genoa.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position:15.12.062N by 048.26.495W
Distance to waypoint:652.9
Last sked:134nm
For those interested our waypoint is not our port of entry as this is in the NW but near the top of the island and is 13.23.285N by 059.30.956W. Still a little way to go after we reach it but it serves a purpose for navigation.
Talking to Blue Lilly we missed the worst of the squalls last night. They had to put all the sails in and had 35 knots of wind and a lot of rain. The squalls move so fast radar is the only way to pick them out, even then we have watched them form out of thin air. Not much you can do other than get wet, reef quickly and hope they dont last long.
We did have good wind strength through the night and made better progress than we have done in some time. Because it is pitch black it strains the senses as you feel as though the boat is moving really fast, also it is loud in the cockpit with the noise of the water rushing by and the Atlantic rollers breaking behind.
We moved further South than normal in the night as the angle was good to make this move, and now we are back on the rhumb line.
Happy to report considerably less seaweed so the Duogen has had moments of making a reasonable contribution. Will clean it every 3 hours when we change shifts.
As I look at the plotter I can see Nautilus and two other yachts that have joined us. One about 16 miles away, and the other about 8. Too late to call them up tonight but will try and make contact via C16 tomorrow.
Chicken casserole tonight with lentils and potatoes, followed by Angel Delight strawberry flavour. Thanks for bringing the packets out to Tenerife Laura.
At the time of writing we have about 12 knots of true wind and are making 5.7knots SOG with a COG of 272 degrees. Continuing under poled out genoa.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 12 - Friday 11th December 2015
Time:21:48
Position:14.50.914N by 050.47.700W
Distance to waypoint:514.0nm
Last sked:135nm
Not the best of nights in terms of speed, more steady as she goes but a good 24 hour run all the same. Late evening we heard Blue Lilly on the radio call up Nautilus to say a tanker was on the AIS and on a collision course, or at least too close for comfort. We could see the events unfold on our plotter as about 7 miles away. In the end Ian called up the tanker to make them aware and for a long time they did not change course. He had to call again and eventually they did change but it missed them by .2nm. Ian said they could hear the engines. Way too close for comfort and the captain should be reported. Amazing to have such a close shave in the middle of nowhere.
Daytime came and once again light winds. With just the genoa poled out we struggled to keep to a 5 knot average but a small wind shift has enabled us to pull out about a third of the mainsail, any more and it would touch the swept back spreaders, and we are now running goosewinged. The speed is much better but the sail plan means Azzy corkscrews through the waves. Any non sailors would last about 20 seconds before reaching (pun intended) for the sick bag.
Much less seaweed again today so Duogen is doing its job, in fact I can hear it purring away now.
Blue Lilly have just called up to say they can see nav lights about 5 miles in front of Nautilus, who are 6 miles in front of us. Nothing showing up on AIS nor radar so better go upstairs and keep a look out shortly.
Soon be less than 500 miles to waypoint, awesome!
Steve and Lynne xx
Position:14.50.914N by 050.47.700W
Distance to waypoint:514.0nm
Last sked:135nm
Not the best of nights in terms of speed, more steady as she goes but a good 24 hour run all the same. Late evening we heard Blue Lilly on the radio call up Nautilus to say a tanker was on the AIS and on a collision course, or at least too close for comfort. We could see the events unfold on our plotter as about 7 miles away. In the end Ian called up the tanker to make them aware and for a long time they did not change course. He had to call again and eventually they did change but it missed them by .2nm. Ian said they could hear the engines. Way too close for comfort and the captain should be reported. Amazing to have such a close shave in the middle of nowhere.
Daytime came and once again light winds. With just the genoa poled out we struggled to keep to a 5 knot average but a small wind shift has enabled us to pull out about a third of the mainsail, any more and it would touch the swept back spreaders, and we are now running goosewinged. The speed is much better but the sail plan means Azzy corkscrews through the waves. Any non sailors would last about 20 seconds before reaching (pun intended) for the sick bag.
Much less seaweed again today so Duogen is doing its job, in fact I can hear it purring away now.
Blue Lilly have just called up to say they can see nav lights about 5 miles in front of Nautilus, who are 6 miles in front of us. Nothing showing up on AIS nor radar so better go upstairs and keep a look out shortly.
Soon be less than 500 miles to waypoint, awesome!
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 13 - Saturday 12th December 2015
Time:22:03
Position:14.24.520N by 052.58.061W
Distance to waypoint:386.2 nm
Last sked:134nm
An uneventful night and the same for the day. Winds still light at 11 to 14 knots so have remained goose winged.
Lynne made a loaf this morning and we watched a film in the afternoon. In all it was a lazy day, maybe the first real one we have had.
With more than 1500 miles under the keel it was amazing to have Nautilus just a few hundred feet away late afternoon, and now they are 2nm to the South opposite us on the same heading and our speeds are almost identical. Blue Lilly caught and landed a Mahi Mahi, and Nautilus caught a small Tuna but too small for the dinner table so it went back in the sea to grow some more.
Looking at the forecast ahead the grib files show only 10 knots of wind for at least the next three days. Ideally 12 is the minimum so progress will continue at a slow pace. We do see an increase in forecasted wind strengths through the nights though.
We have moved our watch rota back an hour to start at 10pm UTC. The reason is we are still on UTC for ships time and have not adjusted the clocks as we make transitions through the time zones. This means it is still dark at 10am but light at 10pm.
Barbados I think is UTC -4
We have about 190 litres of water remaining in tank 2, plus emergency mineral water stores in 6 litre bottles. Since a few hours motoring out of the wind hole after leaving the Cape Verdes we have only used the engine to turn the boat into wind to get the main out. Other than that the diesel consumed has gone via the genset, but really only because of the seaweed preventing the Duogen from charging the batteries which is not really an issue for us anymore.
Oh and we still have 6 more meals in the freezer!
Steve and Lynne xx
Position:14.24.520N by 052.58.061W
Distance to waypoint:386.2 nm
Last sked:134nm
An uneventful night and the same for the day. Winds still light at 11 to 14 knots so have remained goose winged.
Lynne made a loaf this morning and we watched a film in the afternoon. In all it was a lazy day, maybe the first real one we have had.
With more than 1500 miles under the keel it was amazing to have Nautilus just a few hundred feet away late afternoon, and now they are 2nm to the South opposite us on the same heading and our speeds are almost identical. Blue Lilly caught and landed a Mahi Mahi, and Nautilus caught a small Tuna but too small for the dinner table so it went back in the sea to grow some more.
Looking at the forecast ahead the grib files show only 10 knots of wind for at least the next three days. Ideally 12 is the minimum so progress will continue at a slow pace. We do see an increase in forecasted wind strengths through the nights though.
We have moved our watch rota back an hour to start at 10pm UTC. The reason is we are still on UTC for ships time and have not adjusted the clocks as we make transitions through the time zones. This means it is still dark at 10am but light at 10pm.
Barbados I think is UTC -4
We have about 190 litres of water remaining in tank 2, plus emergency mineral water stores in 6 litre bottles. Since a few hours motoring out of the wind hole after leaving the Cape Verdes we have only used the engine to turn the boat into wind to get the main out. Other than that the diesel consumed has gone via the genset, but really only because of the seaweed preventing the Duogen from charging the batteries which is not really an issue for us anymore.
Oh and we still have 6 more meals in the freezer!
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 14 - Sunday 13th December 2015
Time: 23:01
Position: 13.56.223N by 055.14.921W
Distance to waypoint: 250.9 nm
Last sked: 132nm
Not a bad night, a bit rolly at times and of course the corkscrewing associated with wing on wing sailing, but we both managed at least 2 hours sleep on our 3 hour off watch periods.
The forecast for today was for a mere 10 knots of wind but we made good progress with many hours of 12 to 15 knots. Mind you, the sea was as confused as we have seen it which made for comedy moments inside the boat just moving about. The bruise tally is off the scale but Lynne has the biggest one from falling on the stbd helm wheel the other night. Luckily the wheel was not damaged!
Not much got done today. In fact we both took it in turns to sleep for several hours during the course of the day, and Lynne has been reading up on what we might expect on the different islands we hope to visit. It looks like we may have a possible detour to St.Lucia as this has the only service center for the make of our water maker. Will be sending off some emails in the coming days to see what can be done.
Late afternoon we had a small windshift so furled in the main sail and gybed the genoa, then re-rigged the pole to starboard. Maybe we are getting better at this as far fewer swear words could be heard. Indeed we have developed an appreciation for the pole and now have pole envy thinking of boats we have seen with two to allow two headsails to be set.
Tonight the wind has dropped to less than 10 knots so our SOG is less than 5. The payback is peace and quiet.
The night sky is just breathtaking this far from any light pollution, and last night we had something of a meteor shower in the early hours. Some leaving what appeared to be smoke trails behind them. I am hearing a wood pigeon in the night but Lynne reckons sleep deprevation is taking its toll.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position: 13.56.223N by 055.14.921W
Distance to waypoint: 250.9 nm
Last sked: 132nm
Not a bad night, a bit rolly at times and of course the corkscrewing associated with wing on wing sailing, but we both managed at least 2 hours sleep on our 3 hour off watch periods.
The forecast for today was for a mere 10 knots of wind but we made good progress with many hours of 12 to 15 knots. Mind you, the sea was as confused as we have seen it which made for comedy moments inside the boat just moving about. The bruise tally is off the scale but Lynne has the biggest one from falling on the stbd helm wheel the other night. Luckily the wheel was not damaged!
Not much got done today. In fact we both took it in turns to sleep for several hours during the course of the day, and Lynne has been reading up on what we might expect on the different islands we hope to visit. It looks like we may have a possible detour to St.Lucia as this has the only service center for the make of our water maker. Will be sending off some emails in the coming days to see what can be done.
Late afternoon we had a small windshift so furled in the main sail and gybed the genoa, then re-rigged the pole to starboard. Maybe we are getting better at this as far fewer swear words could be heard. Indeed we have developed an appreciation for the pole and now have pole envy thinking of boats we have seen with two to allow two headsails to be set.
Tonight the wind has dropped to less than 10 knots so our SOG is less than 5. The payback is peace and quiet.
The night sky is just breathtaking this far from any light pollution, and last night we had something of a meteor shower in the early hours. Some leaving what appeared to be smoke trails behind them. I am hearing a wood pigeon in the night but Lynne reckons sleep deprevation is taking its toll.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 15 - Monday 14th December 2015
Time:18:46
Position:13.36.843 by 056.51.107W
Distance to waypoint:156.0 nm
Last sked:122nm
Slowly heading to waypoint. Could have used the chute today but would have gone too fast! Need to arrive at Port St. Charles to clear it in daylight, so course and speed for a Wednesday arrival all being well.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position:13.36.843 by 056.51.107W
Distance to waypoint:156.0 nm
Last sked:122nm
Slowly heading to waypoint. Could have used the chute today but would have gone too fast! Need to arrive at Port St. Charles to clear it in daylight, so course and speed for a Wednesday arrival all being well.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 16 - Tuesday 15th December 2015
Time: 17:26
Position: 13.32.595N by 058.37.894W
Distance to waypoint: 59.28nm
Last sked:108nm
Almost there..
Final update will come tomorrow when we are hopefully anchored in Carlisle Bay late afternoon/early evening.
Steve and Lynne xx
Position: 13.32.595N by 058.37.894W
Distance to waypoint: 59.28nm
Last sked:108nm
Almost there..
Final update will come tomorrow when we are hopefully anchored in Carlisle Bay late afternoon/early evening.
Steve and Lynne xx
Day 17 - Wednesday 16th December 2015
Time:19:01 UTC
Position: 13.05.584N by 059.37.028W
At anchor in Carlisle Bay, Barbados.
OK. We can officially say we have arrived, having checked in with immigration and cleared customs.
So, we have crossed the Atlantic, WOW!
Not really registered yet but sure it will in the coming days.
Have left mobiles phones off due to high call charges and hope to go ashore before the weekend to get a wifi sim and Face Time and/or Skype, plus pick up our emails etc.
A huge thank you to all who followed our progress and the many texts. Peter your last one used too many characters so cut off.
Thank you Phill for updating the verbage, and thank you Graham for a great job of handling the distribution and helping with our equipment queries. All very much appreciated.
Finally before I pour a huge Rum, eat a pizza and go to sleep, a special mention to Lynne. What a star! Not many would be up to this challenge and she shone, day and night. Who would have thought all those years ago she would now be a double Biscay and Atlantic crossing veteran. It takes guts, determination and competence to do what she did, and she did it well. Enough said.
Cheers
Steve and Lynne xx
Position: 13.05.584N by 059.37.028W
At anchor in Carlisle Bay, Barbados.
OK. We can officially say we have arrived, having checked in with immigration and cleared customs.
So, we have crossed the Atlantic, WOW!
Not really registered yet but sure it will in the coming days.
Have left mobiles phones off due to high call charges and hope to go ashore before the weekend to get a wifi sim and Face Time and/or Skype, plus pick up our emails etc.
A huge thank you to all who followed our progress and the many texts. Peter your last one used too many characters so cut off.
Thank you Phill for updating the verbage, and thank you Graham for a great job of handling the distribution and helping with our equipment queries. All very much appreciated.
Finally before I pour a huge Rum, eat a pizza and go to sleep, a special mention to Lynne. What a star! Not many would be up to this challenge and she shone, day and night. Who would have thought all those years ago she would now be a double Biscay and Atlantic crossing veteran. It takes guts, determination and competence to do what she did, and she did it well. Enough said.
Cheers
Steve and Lynne xx
Congratulations guys and welcome to Barbados! What a fantastic achievement. So proud of you both.
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