Lightning does strike twice it seems.
The storm to our north came further south than was forecast and chased us throughout another long night, surrounding us with flashes on the horizon as we continued our escape, eagerly watching the barometer finally starting to climb.
Reading the fleet updates from the ARC comms this morning it appears that this has been a far from ideal start for many. Of those that went North some, like us, have turned away from the weather, others have tried to go through or above it and several have returned to the mainland with damage. For those that went South they found little wind and some have motored to Cape Verde to pick up more fuel and supplies. For us conditions have gradually improved through the day and we expect to clear the weather system tomorrow morning.
We then have some things to think about. We’re behind schedule compared to a typical ARC and the boat has a.few minor bumps and bruises after her hard few days (Archie the autopilot isn’t working at the moment due to a technical fault and he’s missed). We need to take time to make some minor repairs, but we desperately need to make time up if we’re to make it to Saint Lucia. “Sign up for the ARC”, they said, “boredom is usually the biggest problem”, they said. Nobody’s bored. Tired but positive is the way I’d describe the crew’s spirits today - which rose as the day progressed, almost in time with the previously mentioned barometer’s needle.
With the wind speed finally dropping below 20 knots and no longer being on our nose we’re hopeful that tonight we can get some of the sleep that’s been so elusive over the past 48 hours.
Hoping that normal service will be resumed tomorrow,
Alex & the NoStress Crew
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