Skyelark of London - are we there yet?

WednesdayAnticipation! The casual glance to see if land is in sight is building towards some who have definitely seen it (or seen something!) to staring longingly into the mist where St Lucia ought to be.Since the 1000 miles to go milestone we have started to talk about 'getting there'. At 750 miles, still further to go than any single leg passage I have made, we thought we were getting there. And with 27 miles to go, 1% of the journey we still have about 4 hours sailing still to do.On one the days before we left Gran Canaria we took a drive the rugged and stunningly beautiful mountains of Gran Canaria. I cant tell you now if that was a few days ago or many months. Although our lives are strictly governed here by the hourly shift pattern, 2 hours on, 4 off, 2 on, 6 off, 'time' has been. read more...

Skyelark of London - Day 15, Tuesday

We learn about 30 boats have finished and another 30 or so, us amongst them, are within 200 miles. With 2700nm behind us, we have just 180 or so to run. Our thoughts of spinnakers were dashed by continuing strong winds, 20-28 knots (F6) but the compensation has been some wonderfully fast sailing. Averaging 8kts, we have several times made the 200nm per day run. The night time squalls to 35kts+ bring torrential rain, but at other times we have had stunningly clear skies - although the moon has now left us.Those behind us, even just 40 miles away, have had heavy daytime rain, but we have generally missed that weather, although 12 hours beating to windward into driving rain was an unexpected "pleasure". Overall, however, all credit to skipper Dan for his skilled reading of the GRIB files. read more...

Skyelark of London - Day 13 on Skyelark

After a two weeks visit on the good ship Skyelark of London, I have found some interesting differences between the Danish and the English. One should think that Malene and I would be using the most water in order to keep ourselves clean and ladylike, however it seems that the Englishman has much higher standards than a simple girl from Copenhagen. I find it more than enough to let myself in to a little room where the chances of my collection of bruises extents massively (as the boat throws me around), but these gentlemen seem to go the extra mile in order to look good at any time - always fresh of face, oiled, moisturised and pampered. But the gentleman conveniently disappears whenever the ever so eager fishermen trawl in one fish after another, because apparently they don't do dirty. read more...

Skyelark of London - Day 12

9th DecemberAfter having achieved several runs in the high 190s and many a near miss,we celebrating having just done 200 miles noon to noon, a cold beer on deckwas just the reward we needed, and if we continue like this we will set anew transatlantic record for Skyelark.As we approach 500 miles it amazingly feels like we are nearly there!Despite it being just under a Fastnet/ Sydney Hobart race, orcircumnavigation of Ireland! In Atlantic terms were getting close to RodneyBay, we have all started to think of our reasoned or reflex actions when weget there. I interviewed my crewmates to get their opinions:Charlotte - Go for a run, shower and put on my red trousers (a Danishnautical tradition to signify that you have sailed the Atlantic)Malene - Beyond a slow run and a shower, hasn't. read more...

Skyelark of London - Day 11 on Skyelark

8th December"Dear Father and Mother. I write You to tell You I am doing well. My duties on this fine fishing vessel have shown to be in the filleting compartments on the port side. The working conditions are excellent as I have not yet cut myself. The boat often rolls back and forth - not too much of course - which makes it necessary for me to hold the fish with one foot as I fillet and skin the fish. I did cut my finger though, but given the fact that that must have been my own fault and not caused by any helming not being carried out correctly, I found no reason to raise this to the Skipper. The helmsmen, Bob, Dave, Gerard and Phil do all a very fine job, so I just need to accustom myself to the new conditions.I do now realize how spoiled I have been, working at an office desk.I am. read more...