The last 48 hours have been tortuous.
Yesterday we had no wind to sail and today we had hardly any wind again and when
it did come up it was on the nose! So after our splendid sailing progress during
the first two days we have been watching other boats appearing on the horizon
behind us, only to be overtaken some hours later as they motor at speed ahead of
us. Free Spirit can only go at 5 knots under engine, unlike so many of the
lighter and more powerful boats which can go at 7 knots. Free Spirit goes
beautifully under sail but when it comes down to the engine she has the heart
of a Shire horse rather than a Race horse. She is steady, she is
strong, she bows her head to the wind as she moves us slowly on our
way.
So, rather than arriving in day light hours as we
had hoped, it is going to be in the hours of darkness. Bermuda is
surrounded by coral reef and the passage in is marked by a cardinal
buoy......except we have been told by Bermuda Radio that the buoy is not
working.....no light to guide us! We are instructed to call up as we
approach for guidance through the reef.
Dinner first though....tonight it is Chilli Con
Coction (of what we have left in the fridge). Sorry boys that beer in the
bar will have to wait until tomorrow.
Log authored by Carole