Manali - 16 Degrees North - heading in the right direction

It’s always exciting to visit a new restaurant.For weary reviewers, new ventures are like shining beacons on the horizon.  Some disappear overnight, others slowly sink, while the few that weather the swirling fortunes of hospitality stand proudly like cardinals, setting and maintaining standards.16 Degrees North is Jean Pierre Thomas’ latest enterprise after his well-earned break following the success of Australian restaurant Rasputin’s.At first glance, 16 Degrees could almost be mistaken as a pop up restaurant, the infuriating worldwide trend which celebrates fast messy food, delivering to an undiscerning under 30 populace.  The restaurant somehow seemed a little transient last night, as though it was just passing by.  Not surprising given the doors only opened 9 days. read more...

Manali - Got up, fell out of bed

1030 UTC Saturday 30 November 2013, 101 nautical miles from Mindelo Oh what a night! Two visitors arrived together this morning – Atlantic Dawn and her sister Atlantic Gale. The strongest gust this morning has been 43.6 knots after a night of 25 knot winds gusting to 34. Manali has weathered it exceptionally well, being pushed south by a north easterly although she will not stop rocking and rolling.  The other 4 members of Team Manali Atlantic had about 88 minutes’ sleep between them, what with the racket and no peace from the pitching. Good as gold though and nothing that a bowl of porridge has not cured.  It’s been a bruising ride (literally) for about 13 hours with no sign of slowing for at least 6 hours.  No breville toasties on the lunch deck. read more...

Manali - Eagles aboard the windless floating hotel

Aaaah the winds of change  One minute we can smell South America on the wind and Manali is surprising herself in the ARC polls. The next Manali is bobbing about on calm seas and all we can think about is diving into the water to cool down! 1800, Wednesday 27 November 2013 What to do on a sail boat when you’re out of wind in the middle of The Atlantic, there’s not another boat in sight, the dolphins are jumping about and the sun is setting?  Why, you turn up Hotel California on the deck speakers and sing.  If your name is Ian, you might even dance a bit on the foredeck.  You make the most of a beautiful isolated setting.  And, yes occasionally, you look skyward and seek some divine intervention – where is the wind and where do we go? Pete saw an. read more...

Manali - One for the green and gold

13:00 UTC Wednesday 27 November, UTC The Atlantic Ocean, West of Mauritania, heading towards the Cape Verdes Abyssal Deep Thrilled, excited and surprised !  The feelings aboard when Team Manali Turre reported we were still hanging out in the front lines. For those who have asked, no you should not put money on Manali, not too much anyway.  There are a lot of bigger faster boats behind us but we are very proud of our jump out of the starting block. Might as well tell the truth, some were dancing on the deck with delight. Back to business. Not sure where we sit this morning as last night was a mess.  It was a good learning night (aka frustrating).  Soft variable winds, slopping about, raining.  For Ian, it was immensely enjoyable as he just thrives. read more...

Manali - Live Update : boat passes boat Australia v England

14:23 UTC Thursday 27 November24 14’.633N  022 13’.705W Just reeled in and passed a 36 foot Beneteau (Karmaland?).  They’ve been in sight for 12 hours and it’s taken us a while.  GB flag so one up for the Colonials.  Sadly not an ARC boat so we did not have too much to chat about.  Nice seeing you though!. read more...