Bluewaft Log Day 17
Tuesday 6 December 2016
19°14’.998N 048°21’.394W
Very light winds at times becalmed. We still managed 74nm yesterday and
given the circumstances are quite happy with that.
We’ve been paying close attention to our diesel reserves and have decided
to be more conservative on our estimates, so to only motor when we are
within a few hundred miles of shore and keep the rest of the fuel for the
generator. With the solar panel and some systems economy (we’ve shut down
one fridge) we think we can get by with running the generator once a day
for a couple of hours to recharge the batteries and top up the water.
Probably over conservative, but would rather be safe than sorry!
Despite the fact it’s a big ocean we had a rendezvous with another ARC
yacht yesterday: “Kajsa Kavat”. They are a Swedish boat with four guys and
their situation is fairly similar to ours: not enough wind, down to the
last 100 litres of fuel and not enough fish! Otherwise they are happy and
doing well, with no major breakages other than a few ‘scuffs’ on their
gennaker. They’re heading is taking them further South so we (slowly)
parted company.
We put the fishing rods out again yesterday but not so much as a nibble!
We still have plenty in the fridge and freezer, although the fresh fish has
certainly added nicely to the variety of cuisine. James made up the last
of the Mahi Mahi in a beer batter yesterday. Alex made a chicken curry
that brought Marcus out into a sweat. We went with Pizza for lunch and had
Cubre Libre’s for sun-downers.
Our plan today is to make as many miles in the light winds as possible.
We’re starting to see the ‘Atlantic rollers’ swell come through on our
beam. About 8ft but well spaced, so not uncomfortable. We’re hoping for
the wind to grow and back to get some good sailing by this evening /
tomorrow.
Here’s hoping!
P1000863