Atlantic Crossing Eastward - Day 4 & 5: Steady as she goes

Sunday 4th May

In the afternoon the wind dropped to 7 or 8 knots, in order to catch the wind we had to turn on the motor and motor sail. We took advantage of this to position ourselves further east so we did not have to sail directly into the forecast wind when it returned. Because we still have reminants of the code zero in the port saildrive we could only run the port engine. The generator also uses the port diesel tank so we had to watch our consumption. We do carry 200l of spare fuel in jerry cans, but the transfer process is a messy one as Byron and Rudy know from the ARC crossing. You guys will be pleased to know I invested in a transfer pump to make this easier, but it is still not fun in a swell.

Monday, 5th May

There was no wind overnight and into the morning, but at 11.00am the wind came up. We wwere happy we had created some sea room when under engines as this alowed us to sail on a close reach. It was still a little bumpy, but not too bad. It started at around 15 knots and we shook out the main and jib. This combo is good up to 27 knots apparent wind. As the sun began to set the wind picked up to 20+ knots true this translated into 25+ apparent. We quickly put in the first reef, good for 30 knots apparent.

We dined on the first of Chery's pre-prepared frozen dinners. Roast chicken with mashed potatoes and vegetables. The crew were very grateful for this and aend there thanks to Cheryl.

By 9.00pm the wind had picked up again and so we put a second reef in the main. This combination is good for up to 35 knots apparent and we needed that extra reef overnight as the wind kept blowing. The seas also picked up with wave height at about 3m. The good news is we were trucking along at an average speed of over 8+ knots , hitting a maximum of 12.1 knots. With this In these conditions it is bumpy and there is a lot of spray coming over the boat. The boat and crew handled it without any problems. We are doing 3 hour watches, with 4 crew we only need 3 to cover a night shift. I was fortunate that last night was my night off. I do sleep on the bench in the cabin to be woken if needed for a sail change or a reef, but last night I was not disturbed.