13:00 UTC Monday Nov. 9, 2015Position: 25,.707454N, 16.858004W
we had a good start in Las Palmas, as a matter of fact we timed it beautifully and celebrated being first across the line!
The field very soon appeared to divide into a racing division: about 10 boats taking off under spinnaker, then a small group of about 4 boats including us and behind and soon disappearing behind the horizon, the 50 remaining boats.
So Mojeka at least at the beginning has done exceptionally well – under genoa and main only.
We have covered 172nm over ground at an average of 7.167kt in 15-25kt winds under main and genoa.
We would probably average closer to or even above 8kt if it wasn´t for a current against us.
Everybody is happy. George spotted two whales but did not catch any fish so far (we were hoping it would be the other way around).
He is blaming it on the constant speed of 7kts plus, too fast for the fish. He is now getting serious: hauling out the big lures for the 60kg tuna…..
The only catch so far has been a little squid which threw itself onto Mojeka’s deck in a suicide mission. We threw it back overboard after taking a head shot for identification purposes.
Monique had a bit of sea sickness – the only one to get it – Stugeron worked perfectly for me. Her discomfort was eventually taken care of by a couple of Vomex tablets, but she slept in the cockpit last night, is getting better now, and is currently even reading.
If we could keep up the speed we have had we would arrive in MIndelo Friday afternoon, now the estimate is sometime during the night to Saturday.
Until tomorrow
Klaus