20 1500UT July 09. Horta is now 390 miles to go. ETA Thursday.
Yesterday was not quite as hot as the previous day but still very sunny.
Lights overnight breezes gave way to moderate westerlies and we enjoyed a 7
hour spinnaker run at decent speed. It came down after supper, just before
sunset, as a cruising precaution and sure enough, the winds piped up over
last night to max out at 28 knots but then reduced this morning to a fairly
steady 20 knots, accompanied by some rain and so far, no sunshine. Seas are
still a little lively but we have got the hang of setting up the boat for a
good compromise between speed and comfort for downwind sailing in stronger
airs and we are hence comfortably managing 6 knots or so.
Have now seen 3 commercial ships inside 24 hours, none closer than 6 miles.
We have received an intelligence report from Hannah White (OSTAR entrant)
who left Horta a few days ago and now we know which bar to avoid, how to
easily clear customs and that the marina fees are very low. Thanks Hannah.
This was sent to the 3 OSTAR yachts still making for Horta (Flamingo Lady,
Dinah and ourselves) although the sender is apparently only 2 days out from
UK now.
I would like to wish my older brother Iain, a full and speedy recovery from
last week's surgery and hope you have the opportunity to stay with us by
accessing these diary entries.
Some readers have advised this blog system works well for them, whilst
others can access the diary blog words but not access the Google earth map
which should show our locations. As I cannot get internet access from the
boat at sea, I cannot help solve this but if any technical experts read this
and can suggest a solution, please do send your ideas to my wife Jan on
andypetty15 {CHANGE TO AT} yahoo {DOT} co {DOT} uk
WE must have got the catering more organised this leg, as we are starting to
run out of some non essentials and our choices are becoming fewer for meals.
Quite looking forward to topping up with some fresh provisions in Horta.
|
