Day Six was different - not because incidents reverted to plaguing us, more that the wind deserted us, bringing different challenges - of the decision making variety.
It dawned as beautifully as ever, but by 0700 GMT the wind had gone light (around 10 knots is light for our heavy boat dead downwind). It was also going fluky and shifty. Not good. But the seas had moderated somewhat, which was a help. We continued sailing on, albeit in a rather wallowing manner, only making around 5 knots over the ground, if we were lucky, and, to be truthful, usually less. There was talk on the fleet WhatsApp of giving up and motoring, and the forecasts are showing decreasing rather than increasing wind. We decided that we were quite happy somewhat drifting, and proceeding only slowly in the gorgeous sunshine. We left the boat and auto pilot to do the best they could in the circumstances and each got on with our own projects, keeping a look out as necessary - but nothing out there. That did make it a rather surreal day. But enjoyable and special. We are both feeling very relaxed and happy.
The problem with going slowly is that our shaft generator does not put much charge into the batteries. Okay it costs us a half to a whole knot in boat speed, but it can’t half pump in the juice - normally. The problem with sailing south west with massive twin headsails is that they shade the coach roof solar panels, and then bimini solar panels, from early afternoon. By 1500 there was no sun on the panels, battery capacity was down to 88%, and the wind was no longer even occasionally reaching 10 knots. We could see boats motoring past us on AIS. Even saw one in real life - right out in the very distance.
We decided we could not ignore the situation any longer and would motor at least until the batteries were topped up. This felt quite sad as, in reality, we were quite happy just drifting along and have plenty to do on board.
By 1630 the batteries were back up to 93%, the sea state had flattened, and the wind had increased to ten knots for a bit. We did some maths. We could press on hard under motor and arrive on Saturday (16th) evening just before dusk, or we could sail slowly and arrive on Sunday evening, depending on how the wind did, or did not hold. The alternative was a bit of both and arriving in the dark during Saturday night - something we always avoid. But, for once in our lives, we would have help in getting into a strange place and in berthing, from Rally Control, so maybe now was the time to give that a go and gain the experience. Another Rally benefit? Arriving and immediately going to bed seemed a better plan than arriving during the day and wanting to “do things”. But we do not feel in a rush, and are loving it out here. The final factor is that our Cape Verde departure date is set for November 22nd and so the later we get there the less time we have to explore the Cape Verde’s (a Rally disbenefit).
We did start sailing again at 1630, in 12 knots, which had been blowing for fifteen minutes when we started unfurling the sails, but had dropped to 8 knots when we had everything set….. The next four hours were somewhat frustrating. A continuous loop of - we sail okay, then watch the wind drop, speed disappears, we accept we have to motor, make the decision to do so, the wind increases a little, so we carry on sailing. Repeat. At 2110 we gave up. The wind had been below 8 knots for some time. We have heard that several boats have gear damage, and our boat motion is unstable such that the sails collapse and then bang as they fill when they also pull on the rig. We don’t want any damage.
So on came the motor. It stayed on for the rest of the night. That was a shame as it was the most beautiful moon lit night. Not really dark at all. We could hear the occasional bird squawk above the sound of the motor. We must be getting there. Sad to think this is our last night at sea. The nights have been nothing short of magical.