Scarlet Oyster - Scarlet Day 9

MONDAY MONDAY. North versus South

I sprang to the stirrup and Joris and he,
I galloped, Dirck galloped, we galloped all three.

The trade winds lie South of the Canaries at this time of the year so
traditional sailing ships dived deep down South until they hit the Trade
Winds proper and then sailed West pretty much dead down wind which they were
good at. Many yachts in the ARC choose this course because it is generally
safe and comfortable.

The disadvantage is that it is a longer distance to sail and the Great
Circle route which we have broadly followed is the shortest distance. It is
not without its risks including potentially difficult weather and becalming.

A modern sailing yacht like Scarlet Oyster is pretty good in most wind
conditions and arguably more difficult conditions give us a better chance to
beat our rivals.

After passing Tenerife we sailed slightly below and then above the direct
line for a few days and have now dived down South in lighter wind conditions
looking for a steady breeze to take us pretty much due West to St Lucia.
Yesterday we passed the half distance mark. This is not necessarily half way
on total time we will take. To celebrate this milestone we all gathered in
the Cockpit for sparkling wine, music and canapes.

Our watches are still on Gran Canaria Time, ie GMT. As a result we are
having breakfast as the sun rises, and supper three hours before the moon
finally rises at night. Were we to carry on this way to say Indonesia via
the Panama Canal we would be having lunch at midnight, breakfast at supper
time etc. However we plan to stop at St Lucia wearing our red Scarlet Oyster
shirts and flying a smart new headsail.

Mario writes : Scarlet Oyster is really doing great; she keeps going and
even in very moderate conditions we reach more than acceptable speed. The
atmosphere and spirit amongst the crew is great, due to the excellent
skipper Ross and co-skipper Mark. Mark is providing the food; we are not
going to loose weight!

Every four hourly race update on Yellow Brick is followed by the whole crew.
Now we are doing very well but like crew-member Al said: it is not a sprint,
it is a marathon! And we are going for it!.

Al concludes : We are all having so much fun that it would be painful to
contemplate our journey's end but for the knowledge a great party awaits.

Best Wishes to all our readers. Al