Elvira D - Log Day 3 - Chute stays up

Still quiet, running down hill towards the Cape Verde islands. Fresh Dorado for breakfast. All having good fun, but could do with a bit more wind.Pat. read more...

Elvira D - Log Day 2 - New chute goes up

After a quiet first night goose winged under poled out genoa & "prevented" main, we decided it was time to have a go with the new cruising chute & give the other sails a rest. Looks great in the sun - anyone recognise the flag? Chris has been doing his usual magic with the food ably assisted by Wing (Rob). Pat's doing some house work while Duncan's at the helm as midday goes by on day 2.Ian. read more...

Elvira D - Log Day 4 - more wind finally`

Caught a second Dorado at lunchtime Weds & kept it for later. At the "happy hour" watch we decided it was about time to use the engine for more than just battery charging & try to find some more breeze. Cleared all the sails & motored SW. Had supper (once again Chris doing a wonderful job - tuna pasta & salad) then watched a DVD on deck - Bourne Ultimatum with subtitles as we couldn't hear the laptop over the engine noise! All went well until laptop battery went flat - time for bed! At this exact point (about 2230UTC) wind filled in at about 15 knots from NE so up went the chute & off we went.  Bacon & egg sandwiches for breakfast. Chute still up (midday) with main as well & making some progress finally.Ian. read more...

Elvira D - Log - Day 5

Good morning from Elvira D.Local Elvira time is now one hour ahead of the UK.The boat and crew are all doing really well, missing loved ones but havingfun at the same time.The good wind that came in Wednesday evening has continued through yesterdayand last night. It got lively in the night with about 22 knots and Duncanmanaged the highest at 9.2 knots on a main and poled out genoa. We are wellinto trade winds, heading for St. Lucia now at between 6.5 - 7.5 knots.There's a big but gentle Atlantic role. We are not seeing many of the othercompetitors now, we saw one light in the night and its sail at dawn on theopposite gybe.We had an early start on the fishing front landing two 18" Dorado (withphotos to prove it) by 7am. We know what we've got for dinner tonight.We had two really playful. read more...

Elvira D - Log day 6 - fantastic sailing but...

Had a great days sailing yesterday under chute & main, reaching over 11 knots at times. Then spi halyard parted about 2130 last night & that was that. Spent night on poled out genoa - frustrating. Spent early morning sorting out chute & re hoisting on spare halyard. Now just sorting out re running other halyard again - Pat up mast dangling around at 7-8 knots for quite some time! Got the job done after a fashion, but at least we can use it again. Chris went up just to check everything & unwrap a few bits!Otherwise all is very well on board.Ian. read more...