Innforapenny 2 - Day 1 - An Interesting Day!

Our first 24 hours at sea has certainly been eventful. We had an excellent start, which was no mean feat, considering there were 200 boats all trying to cross the start line at the same time; fortunately we had Andrew on board to steer us through the mayhem. It wasn't long before we had the cruising kite up as we headed down the east coast of Gran Canaria and with a good 12 to 15 knot wind behind us we were soon in the leading group of boats. By the evening we were really "smoking" averaging 9 to 12 knots in 20 knots of breeze, we even touched 18.5 knots for a short time. The boat was going like a dream, UNTIL the original swivel shackle (part of the old sock) on the kite snapped and then all hell broke loose, but with good team work we managed to retrieve the remains of the spinnaker. read more...

Innforapenny 2 - yoga classes on the high seas

Day 4 - Atlantic crossingEveryone was tired this morning after the shift pattern had been disrupted with a 2.00am sail change. We had the large spinnaker up and the wind started to increase so we didn't want to loose that one as well so down it came and was replaced with the screecher and jib and at the same time decided to jibe, which means putting our pole on the other side. Not an easy task in the middle of the night!Consequently our morning yoga class, run by Emily lacked the normal enthusiasm - Although it could have been Penny's egg and bacon sandwiches! - It must be quite strange seeing 5 people trying to balance on one leg on the deck of a sailing boat in the middle of the Atlantic.Although our progress has been good, its too early to say how well we are doing as it will all come. read more...

Innforapenny 2 - Mid Atlantic swim - Innforapenny

Day 13th - Atlantic crossingThe last couples of days haven't been good for us - not because of storms, rough seas, gales, pirate attacks etc but the lack of wind; the 10 to 12 knot winds have just disappeared, especially at night where we are lucky to have any. Just wallowing in the middle of the Atlantic with 2-3 knots of wind and the sails and rigging slapping from one side to the other is not good especially when you know the competition who are further south of us have reasonably good sailing conditions. (looking on the bright side it could be blowing 40 knots!!!). For us to make any progress we have to use our engines, which we will be penalised for when it comes to the final positions.The ocean is so calm that yesterday Emily and Andrew went for a swim - "mid Atlantic" as we gently. read more...