Fenix - Log #1 Yacht Fenix

22/11/2010 - 12:00hrsPosition: 25.30N 16.40W, Heading: 245mSpeed: 6.8kts SOG, Wind ENE 10ktsFirst installment from S/Y Fenix log in the ARC 2010.The start yesterday was a spectacular occasion for all involved. Competitors were treated to the warmest of send-offs with local bands and cheering crowds adding to the carnival atmosphere - even the VuVuZelas were drowned out by the masses of fog horns and pipes!We had a good start in the Invitation Racing Division and tracked off South Easterly with the majority of racing boats. The wind behaved much as forecast giving us a good opportunity to enjoy the power of this gorgeous Swan 60.We have just completed our first 24hrs, covering 180 miles, through a magnificent full-moon night as we tracked off the west coast of Africa.Spirits are good all. read more...

Fenix - Log #2 Yacht Fenix

23/11/2010 - 12:00hrsPosition: 22.41N 18.44W, Heading: 210mSpeed: 7.5kts SOG, Wind NE 10kts2nd installment from S/Y Fenix log in the ARC 2010.Sailing:Great night's run with following sea and 15 - 18kts, gave us just 400 miles run since start - not bad for a fast learning crew! Tactics are challenging as we all have the normal question 'why head so far south when the finish is over in the west?' - time will tell, tactician earning his keep, for the moment!Position updates are eagerly awaited from Race control and fill in many hours of talk time. So far we're reasonably happy with progress, all things considered. Help from Peter C is much appreciated.Decision point for turning coming up soon...Social:I've been asked to let all concerned know that we are drinking plenty of water, as. read more...

Fenix - Log 3

Subject: Log #3 Yacht FenixDate: Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:04:18 +010024/11/2010 - 12:00hrsPosition: 20.24N 19.10W, Heading: 210mSpeed: 1.5kts SOG, Wind NE 1kt3rd installment from S/Y Fenix log in the ARC 2010.And this too will pass...Sailing:A slow run through the night eventually petered out into a floater. Wind has disappeared just short of our turning point.Tactician braced for unkind comments, even though everyone knows its not his fault...Appears from the position updates that we are not the only boat affected by the calm spot, except for Venemous who are making excellent use of their previous event experience. Those guys are worth watching.Social:While being becalmed in a race is very frustrating for the crew, it has given some of us the opportunity to realise another 'tick box' event -. read more...

Fenix - Log No 4

Subject: Log No 4 - Yacht FenixDate: Thr, 25 Nov 2010 20:40:04 +01004th Blog from S/Y Fenix log in the ARC 2010.SAILING NEWS.......We are all in much better form today after the frustration of been becalmed yesterday. We are currently moving steadily in a SW direction towards the Cape Verde Islands where we hope to pass tomorrow. (Watch this space.......MAJOR tactical decision looming!!!!) Yesterday, we initially thought it was just ourselves and a few other yachts that were in the 'hole' only to find out later that lots of other yachts and most of our competition were all in the ever increasing 'hole' as well. Yahoo!!!It should be noted that we are in the Invitation Racing division of this ARC 2010 and our position on the Fleet Viewer does not truly reflect our position on the route as. read more...

Fenix - Log No 5

5th Blog from S/Y Fenix in the ARC 2010.Fri 26th November 2010 - 17:00hrsPosition: 17.39N 24.03W, Heading: 240mSpeed: 5.8kts SOG, Wind NW 5-10ktsSun Rise is now 0730hrs and Sun Set is 1830hrs.SAILING NEWS.......We are still feeling a little frustrated as we are currently moving slowly in a SW direction towards north of the Cape Verde Islands where we hope to pass in the early hours of tomorrow morning - based on our current boats Speed Over Ground (SOG).We are all eating and hydrating well. We have now opened a second bottle of sun tan lotion!!! The lower in latitude we go, the hotter it gets. Last night in particular was very warm and clammy through the night with only a light tee shirt and shorts worn on deck with our life vests. The temperature in the cabin today is 32 degrees Celsius. read more...