We have passed 1/2 way at last. Dugald decided our distance would be 2550
nm so when the chart plotter said only 1275 nm to St Lucia, celebrations all
round. I am sure we have sailed further than that with our travels to find wind
and hoping the second 1/2 will be quicker and more direct.
Thursday 1st, day 12: The winds are still from the south
west so we continue to beat across the Atlantic. We are making St Lucia which is
something and although the winds are light because we are beating the boat is
travelling at an OK speed. There seem to be more wind further south so hope to
go that way when conditions allow.
Friday 2nd, day 13: overnight the wind changed direction
from the east, but very light. Sails going slap,slap and going nowhere fast. So
sails back down and a couple of hours motoring. In the morning Hugo and Dugald
hoisted the big pink cruising chute and making OK speed. The morning forecast
has us firmly in the sector with the lightest winds. This is conformed in the
morning SSB radio broadcast with the boats further south having reasonable
winds. We need to get south!
The bake off competition hotted up when Andrew produced a beautiful loaf
for lunch although he did have advice from Hugo. The bread round is in the
balance but I have the cake round in the bag as I am the only one to have made a
cake (so far).
Saturday 3rd, day 14: This is the day we declared we were
more than 1/2 way. I had planned steaks for the 1/2 dinner but they were a bit
disappointing. That was the last of our fresh meat and we are now on vacuum
packed food, tins and what we can catch.
We have not seen much wild life but a large pod of dolphins came within
view, all jumping up vertical out of the water, very exciting. They were not
much interested in us and by the time the cameras where ready they had moved
on.
We are managing to sail south with the big pink up during the day and poled
out jib at night. When I came up on deck for the last night watch it was
completely pitch black. The horizon was indiscernible, no stars. There was an
angry red spot on the radar screen heading for us. We managed to be reefed by
the time the squall hit us, so apart from being very wet no damage done. The
boat had a good fresh water wash and the sails stayed reefed for the rest of my
watch giving me a peaceful time.
Sunday 4th, day 15: We are continuing south and the wind
does seem to have improved. It has moved slightly south of east giving a better
sailing course. We still have the big pink up during the day. A boat appeared
over the horizon passing from east to west but not transmitting AIS. We are not
alone! This is the first boat we have seen for 5 days.
In a bid to stay in the bread competition I make a walnut loaf but not a
total success; like an ordinary loaf with some hard bits in it. Needless to say
it was all eaten. Everyone on board enjoys their food and always a pleasure to
cook when everything is eaten up and asks for seconds. We are having a bit of a
carb fest so although alcohol consumption is well down I think we are making up
the calories.
We are continuing to play cards most evenings, a game called 5 Crowns which
Dugald and I had not heard of before. So far Hugo is the un-disputed champion
but all to play for.
A few days ago we had a sweepstake as to when we would arrive in St
Lucia. We were all wildly optimistic but Dugald suggested the latest date so
still being 1000 nm to go Dugald has won!
Just as we were preparing the boat for night the fishing reel started
pulling out. We had caught a big Dorado, so fresh fish for dinner
tomorrow.
Val