can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Firefly - Day 4 on the long beat



It seems ages since we passed Ushant and sailed into Biscay, unfortunately the wind went to South and its been beating ever since. For those watching us on the Yellow Brick tracker you will see we have tacked into the bay to avoid most of the wind however we have had our fair share. Thanks to John White's help getting the SSB radio functioning we have been downloading regular weather files so we know what's coming and try to sail round it if possible. Early Tuesday morning we saw gusts up to 30kt as a front passed through - causing a bumpy ride and it stopped progress for a while. As it cleared we saw the wind veer and moderate and we cracked along close hauled all day Tuesday. We allowed ourselves to get gradually headed and now, 0900 on Wednesday we have tacked and are close hauled headed for Cape Finisterre. We have 2 reefs in the main and a full jib and are managing 5-6kt in a reasonable sea with an ocean swell coming in from the West. We plan to stop somewhere on the North Spanish coast to wait for a window in the strong SW winds currently off the Cape - we are not sure where as yet it depends on what happens over the next 24 hours.

Firefly is performing well but she, and her crew are longing for some downwind sailing!

Prepared meals by Barney and Jill have all been devoured. Afternoon tea is still very civilized eating our way through Juanita's flapjacks and Jane's cake. Many thanks for all this food and huge thanks to Susie, co owner of Firefly with Paul who has re equipped the galley prior to the trip and stocked the boat with essentials.

Previous | Next