Ngahue IV - Update from Ngahue IV

We've had our first full day at sea now. After a (very) slow start yesterday (Sunday) across the departure line - a venerable Hallberg-Rassy 53s does not move fast - we set about catching up with the rest of the ARC fleet as he headed towards and entered into the "acceleration" zones which are just under each of the Canary Islands. Though just as we began to enter into the jumble of the other boats at the back of the ARC fleet, we hit a wind-shadow spot just south of Gran Canaria. All progress halted; sails needed to be rearranged. An hour of so later, as our boat speed picked up again when we found some useful wind, we could start thinking of joining the fleet's rearguard again.
Today, Monday, has been a bit of that too. The better wind at the beginning of the day has died on us as we head towards the evening. Again our graceful old HR53 is inching towards the back of the pack, as we pursue our route towards the Cape Verde Islands, in search of steady trade winds to take us across to Saint Lucia.
It has been a warm and sunny day; getting cooler towards the evening as we prepare for our second night at sea.
Best wishes to our followers from Laura and Marco

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