The start of the ARC was just as exciting as last
time but it was a relief to finally put to sea. Conditions were quite boisterous
on the first leg down the east coast of Gran Canaria, with gusts up to 35 knots
and quite an active sea, making helming a good workout! Gybing and running down
off the south coast, the wind finally began to moderate a little. Unfortunately
we then abruptly hit a patch of wind shadow, despite being 50 miles
offshore, and the new sails flogged for nearly an hour before we decided to
motor. It was only an hour and a half before we picked up the wind again and it
continued for the rest of night....mostly in the 18-23 knot range. As I write,
we have 160 miles on the log, so quite fast so far.
The watch system was also changable, adapting to
the weather, but everyone got some sleep. We all enjoyed a visit from some
dolphins before dusk.
El Mundo has sailed well but we have had a couple
of challenges. A primary winch failed but this just turned out to be an
incorrectly rated fuse in the control box....then the VHF blew a fuse (or two)
on transmit, so we will just be using it for radio watch for the rest of
crossing and the handhelds for transmitting. This VHF has never worked properly,
despite two attempts by Raymarine and Oyster, so we will swap it out at the
earliest opprotunity (I bet Pauls got a spare on Juno!). A float switch in a
sump pump stuck on as well but that can be controlled manually and is not
urgent.
Overall, not a bad first day ay sea....and it looks
like a beautiful day dawning...