The wind was consistent most of the day, with a few
minor squalls taking the wind gusts up over 30 knots. During the night it was
more variable, with patches of very light wind and heavy rain. This isn't what
the brochure said.....where are all those balmy days with heady,
strong Trade Wind sailing?! Forecasts are not overly encouraging, so I
guess we'll just have to enjoy our time out on the water.
Lincy cooked a very tasty leek and bacon quiche for
lunch and we caught two Dorado, so we enjoyed very fresh fried fish with an
olive and tomato couscous and ratatouille. I must say, that was the best dinner
aboard yet.
During the afternoon rig check we found that the
Yankee (foresail) sheet was suffering chafe where it runs through the jaws of
the pole. We had to furl in, then go up the forestay on the bosuns chair to cut,
terminate and rerig the sheet. Today we will rig a better solution using a line
with some Dyneema shielding on it.
Happy 'Abolition of Slavery' Day! Seems quite
appropriate where we're heading. This was also the day of the start of 1930's
Great Depression.....but we won't dwell on that. Just to be inclusive for our
crew....it is also the anniversary of the death of the Belgian author and poet
Virginie Loveling in 1923.....so now you know.
And from Amanda.....In the advent calendars today
(yes, we really do have more than one!) there was a holly wreath and the jolly
looking moon and stars! Thanks Mum!