The Atlantic is a big ocean and it takes a while to get used sailing across it. After 5 days at sea for the cruisers and 7 for the racers, crews are definitely settling into life at sea.
James Simpson on Catana 431 Intrepid Bear wrote “First of all, can't quite believe that we're now coming into our sixth day at sea with over 1,000 miles on the log. Time and sea really has been flying past. The last few days have been some of our most exhilarating sailing since we set off from Portsmouth back in August.”
Unusually for an ARC crossing, crews have had to contend with trade-wind sailing from day one: 25+ knots from the north pushing boats along at a fast pace, but bringing big seas as well. On Ceilidh of Lorne, Dave Sturrock described the sailing in the boat’s blog. “Yesterday was a classic ARC day with bright sunny conditions and a F6 NE driving Ceilidh forward with some style, there was a 3-4 metre swell which she surfed down at 10-12knots whilst staying on track. Since the wave period has increased we have found that Ceilidh is tracking much better and we really had an exhilarating day yesterday.”
The early wet and wild conditions have eased, helping the process of settling into life afloat. Bodies have become accustomed to the constant motion, and stomachs have settled so that mealtimes can once again be enjoyed. Rising temperatures as boats sail further south have also raised morale. American sailor Ryan Faris, crewing on Beneteau First 40 Lancelot II in the Racing Division commented “We have cleared the rain now and the temperatures continue to go up. Our red skins are being replaced by tans, whilst the bruises from gaining our sea legs also blend in better with the tan.”
News from the fleet
In other fleet news, Farr 585CC Spock (Thomas Schumacher) sailed by an all German crew in the Racing Division, have arrived safely in Mindello, Cape Verdes after the yacht was dismasted 2 days ago. All aboard are safe and well, although the yacht has had to retire from the ARC. The team at Marina Mindello are expecting several ARC boats over coming days. Arriving with Spock was the Gianetti Star 64, Easyrider (Barry Bezner), calling in for autopilot repairs. Also heading in are Kaizo (Lagoon 450), Cheri (Swan 51), one-off sloop Raffen and Motiva 49 Modus Vivendi which has lost her rudder and is steering by hydrovane and staysail,. All these boats should be in Mindello on Monday or Tuesday.
Several boats have not been able to overcome mechanical difficulties and have returned to the Canary Islands and withdrawn from the ARC.
252 Julia, due to a rudder break which will take them several weeks to repair.
221 Jolly Jellyfish, due to electrical problems.
39 Seren Wen, had repeated hydraulic system leaks.
149 Kinship, will now cross in January
Boats that may restart:
60 Tal Lira, has gone to Tenerife to repair autopilot
223 Storm Svale, returning to Canary Island due to electrical problems
Already repaired and restarted:
102 Hera, after repairing the steering.