Editors note: This was transcribed by Ian Wallace (A9m "Spearhead") from a Roneo'd copy of Chis Butlerls log of the 1976 Ostar.
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| Achilles Neuf A9m 001 |
CHRIS BUTLER's LOG: - “A C H I L L E S N E U F “ - No .144
IN O S T A R 1976
MAG as Mag and LOG as Log. Errors have been left uncorrected.)
5th
June 1978. Time 1200 hrs.GMT. Log 5792.
Windspeed App. 3 knots.
Windspeed True 5 knots. App. Wind Dir. 120O Port/Tack. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Starting OSTAR Race from Plymouth U.K. to Newport U.S.A. After seeing the Pen Duick Class off I arrived at the start for my own class 15 mins. late. I had no intention of starting bang on time for safety's sake but I miscalculated the time needed to get to the start. Tony Cockrell, Adrian and Simon were transferred onto the launch in good time. And so on with the race.
1300
hrs. GMT. Log 5795. Waterspeed 4 knots. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
App. Wind Dir. 60O Port/Tack. Barometer 1038. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Set off on starboard tack to clear Rame Head on next tack. Only a very few boats astern of me at the start. Soon found myself overtaking some craft including Galway Blazer (now painted red) which started 30 mins. (plus 15 mins) ahead of me. Took present port tack when it became obvious that Rame Head was clear. Found some difficulty remembering how to operate the self steering but it seems O.K. now. Still boats all around, Especially spectators.
1400
hrs. GMT. Log 5798. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 1.13 Starboard.
Course
Set 240 Mag. Course Actual 270 Mag. Windspeed App. 9 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45 Port
Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail.
No.1 Genoa.
Sailing along coast. Gradually caught "Rhon Glas” and afterward went to weather of him. Cannot hold intended course but will stay as we are for a bit to settle down.
There is still a strong smell of petrol in cabin but hopefully the movement will dispel it.
1800
hrs. GMT. Log 5815. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 2.48 Starboard.
Course
Set 240O Mag. Course Actual
200O Mag. Windspeed App. 12
knots.
Windspeed
True 10 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1036 falling.
Mainsail. Genoa No.1.
Going
very well on this starboard tack. She
seems to be pointing high and at a fair speed.
Can see eleven boats astern of me (or well to leeward) and seven ahead
or to weather. An orange coloured boat
is closing fast from weather of me, we really do seem to be pointing high.
2300 hrs. GMT. Log 5834. Waterspeed 1½ knots. Off Course 5.78 Port
Course
Set 240O Mag. Course Actual
260O Mag. Windspeed App. 4
knots.
Windspeed
True 3 Knots. App. Wind Dir. 35O
Port/Tack. Barometer 1035 Falling.
No.1
Genoa. Mainsail.
Wind Change so have just altered course. Wind very light indeed. One yacht, that was previously on my starboard bow but now to port, seems to have been going round in circles; I have seen all three colours on his masthead light.
Another
minor emergency. Seemed to be on
collision course with another yacht but it passed astern of me by 100 yards.
Eaten snacks only tonight.
6th
June 1978. 01.15 hrs. GMT. Log 5841.
Waterspeed 3 knots.
Off
Course Zero. Course set 240O
Mag. Course Actual 300O Mag.
Windspeed
App. 7 knots. Windspeed True 6
knots. App. Wind Dir. 45O
Port/Tack.
Barometer 1034 Falling. No.1 Genoa. Mainsail.
Must be settled now for a wakeful night. Our position is nicely within the shipping lanes and ships lit up like blocks of flats are quietly slipping past - but fast.
08.45
hrs. GMT. Log 5859. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 13.9 Starboard.
Course Set 240O Mag. Course Actual 270O Mag. Windspeed App. 10 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45O
Port/Tack. Barometer 1033 Falling.
Genoa No.1. Mainsail.
It
has been a tiring night but an easy one for all that.
If it hadn't been for the need for watch out for other traffic it would have been most restful.
1200
hrs. GMT. Log 5872. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course Zero.
Course
set 265O Mag. Course Actual
255O Mag. Windspeed App. 8
knots.
Windspeed
True 7 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45O
Port/Tack. Barometer 1034 Rising.
Mainsail. Genoa Fantom.
Position 49O 55' North. 5O 47' West.
Course
now reset for destination.
Course
set 265 Mag. Course Actual 250 Mag. Windspeed App. 5 knots.
Windspeed
True 4 knots. App. Wind Dir. 60O
Port/Tack. Barometer 1032 Falling.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 49O 49‘ North. 6O 18’
West.
Wind has gone light again. Very sunny weather now though. Met a large shark off the Scillys. He was coasting along on the surface and became aware of Achilles Neuf at the last minute; went down with an almighty thresh of his tail and did not see him again. We have had a yacht (painted yellow one side and green the other!) alongside all day but at last it seems I have given him the slip. He tried a lightweight genoa but it held him back.
7th
June 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 5913.
Waterspeed 4¾ knots.
Off
Course 5.0 Port. Course set 265°
Mag. Course Actual 255°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 8 knots. Windspeed True 8
knots. App. Wind Dir. 90° Port Tack.
Barometer
1029 Falling. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa,
Dead
Reckoning Position 49°42' North. 6° 46' West.
It
might be the strong smell of petrol but it is difficult to check the cause of
the leakage.
Ran,
still running, the Honda generator to charge the battery. Frustrated beyond measure to find that a fuse
had gone and not been checked by Peter or Mike at Plymouth.
Course
set 265 Mag. Course Actual 280 Mag. Windspeed App. 9 knots.
Windspeed
True 10 knots. App. Wind Dir. 120 Port
Tack. Barometer 1026 Falling.
Mainsail. Genoa No.1.
Dead Reckoning Position 49°39' North. 7°14' West.
But I didn't sleep afterwards.
1200
hrs. GMT. Log 5971. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 5.3 Port.
Course
set 265° Mag. Course Actual 250°
Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 14 knots. App. Wind.Dir. 100° Port
Tack. Barometer 1023 falling.
Mainsail. Genoa No.1.
Dead Reckoning Position 49°30' North. 8°15' West.
By
Sextant at 1232. 49°30' West as above.
It
took a little time to get used to handling the sextant again but the cloud and
my own speed did not help.
There is not much point yet in checking the longitude but I must get down to it soon.
1800
hrs. GMT. Log 6006. Waterspeed 5½ knots. Course Set 265° Mag.
Off
Course 12 Port. Course actual 270°
Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 16 knots. App. Wind Dir. 80° Port
Tack. Barometer 1019 falling.
Mainsail. Genoa No.1.
Dead Reckoning Position 49°11' North. 8°52' West.
Had
a whole school of dolphin around me this afternoon. They were a wonderful sight
playing in front of the bow and jumping right out of the water further
away. I cannot guess the number but must
easily have exceeded 30.
I am not entirely sure that there was not a pair of small whales with them, but at a distance.
8th
June 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 6036.
Waterspeed 4¼ knots.
Off
Course 7.7 Port. Course set
265°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 15 knots. Windspeed True 13
knots. App.Wind Dir.60°Port Tack.
Barometer
1018 falling. Mainsail. Genoa No.1.
Dead
Reckoning Position 49°09' North. 9°33' West.
Just
had to have a doze between 2200hrs. and 2400 hrs. I could no longer think
straight. I did eat some chicken soup and will now have tea and biscuits, maybe
some cake to pump some carbohydrate back in me.
The sea has moderated now.
The Honda generator has been running for about 4 hours. But the stink of petrol is still appalling inside.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 6064. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 12 Port.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 240°Mag. Windspeed App.16 knots.
Windspeed
True 14 knots. App.Wind Dir.40° Port
Tack. Barometer 1020 Rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 49°00' North. 10°08' West.
No vessels seen during the night perhaps at last I am far enough from the shipping lanes to sleep at nights now. There is no doubt that this early part of the race on this course is the most dangerous because you dare not sleep because of shipping and in not sleeping are inefficient and moving about the boat in a dangerous manner.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 6078. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 14.3 Port.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 250°Mag. Windspeed App. 18 knots.
WIndspeed
True 16 knots. App.WInd Dir.45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1021 Rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 6094. Waterspeed 5½ knots. Off Course 18.6 Port.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App.' Wind Dir 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1021.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Genoa. Dead Reckoning Position 48°40'North. 10°50'
West.
By
sextant at 12.42. 48°48'N. 10°50'West.
A
little while ago I found that one of the Frenchman in a 40 footer had crept up
behind me. This wind certainly suits him because he just powered past me with
the boat four square in the water, not rolling or anything. "Sirtec"
No.149.
sailed
by Patrice Dumas. We photographed each
other.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 6124. Waterspeed 5 knots. Course Set 265 Mag.
Course
Actual 240 Mag. Windspeed App. 23
knots. Windspeed True 22 knots.
App.
Wind Dir 45° Port Tack. Barometer 1020
falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. Working Jib.
Have had to lower the No.1 Genoa and go straight to the Working Jib. Wind has increased but the sea is out of proportion. We keep diving down holes in the water and it slams the boat hard. Waterspeed seems unaffected by the change.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 6135. Waterspeed 1½ knots. Off Course 14 Port.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 260 Mag. Windspeed App. 30 knots.
Windspeed
True 30 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45° Port
tack. Barometer 1018 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2.
Have taken the jib down and we are quietly forereaching. The wind has risen and what with holes in the water into which we fall and waves breaking over I have decided to take a rest. She is gently moving along and it is comfortable inside. I'll have a drop of drink and hope to get a good night's sleep. If I do it will be the first good sleep since the night of the 4th.
9th
June 1978. 0600 hrs.GMT. Log 6142.
Waterspeed 1 knots.
Off
Course 17. Course set 265 Mag. Course Actual 330 Mag.
Windspeed
App 27 knots. Windspeed True 27
knots. App.Wind Dir. 90° Port Tack.
Barometer
1020 Rising. Mainsail reefed 2.
Now
changed to starboard tack.
I
shall put up the Jib again, if we carry on as we are we will never get there.
Even
with the jib down there is a lot of movement in the boat.
Slept
fairly well total time about 5 hours.
Not feeling too well, it must be the lack of food. Have got to eat properly to-day comewhatmay.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 6156. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 20 Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 225°Mag. Windspeed App. 25 knots.
Windspeed
True 23 knots. App.Wind Dir 40° Starboard
tack. Barometer 1024 rising.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
With
the jib up we are crashing along at about 5 knots. Crashing is the word.
Get
to the top of a wave, jump over the top and leap into the hole on the other
side. Still, the barometer is rising and
the weather might improve.
Broke the new Foresheet at the whipping must repair it later. Using substitute.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 6171. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 26(zero) Port.
Course
set 265° Mag. Course Actual 250°
Mag. Windspeed App. 22 knots.
Windspeed
True 20 knots. App. Wind Dir. 40°
Starboard tack. Barometer 1027 rising.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 48°25' North. 12°11'
West.
By
sextant at 1248. 48°18' N. -
12°11' West.
Must
not place too much importance on this sextant reading as it was taken in
appalling conditions. The horizon was never still and the boat leaping about
and spray everywhere.
Will
have to wash sextant carefully before putting it away.
Used simple "Barber" hauler to bring in Jib clew.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 6194. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 12.6
Course
set 265° Mag. Course Actual 250°
Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 15 knots. App. Wind Dir
45°Starboard tack. Barometer 1032 rising.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Weather
improved and the sea is much quieter.
Must repair foresheet right away as I should go onto the other tack soon.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 6211. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 27.2 Port.
Course
set 265° Mag. Course Actual 210°
Mag. Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 13 knots. App. Wind Dir 40°
Starboard tack. Barometer 1034 rising.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Been
busy repairing jib sheet. All ready now.
The weather and the sea is much nicer than this morning.
2200
hrs.GMT. Log 6215. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 27 Port.
Course
set 265 Mag. Course Actual 300 Mag. Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 13 knots. App. Wind Dir 35° Port
Tack. Barometer 1035 rising.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Having
repaired Foresheet have now put her onto Port.tack.
Beating
gently along. We should have the Genoa
up, of course, but still feel weak though I have had some food to-day, though
only snacks. Another night's sleep will
do no harm.
Having on the other tack will bring her back to course. For now I choose to use the Hadrian this way.
10th
June 1978. 0001hrs.GMT.
Log 6219. Waterspeed 3¼ knots.
Off
Course 26.5 Port. Course set 265°
Mag. Course Actual 295° Mag.
Windspeed
App. 10 knots. Windspeed True 9
knots. App. Wind Dir. 30° Port tack.
Barometer
1035. Mainsail reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Pleasant
evening but cold.
Weather
forecast at 0033 gives S W 5 to 6 for Sole and Finisterre.
Missed the news on the radio about the Motion of No Confidence on the present so-called Government. It is about time the Conservatives had a real go at getting a General Election.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 6240. Waterspeed 3½ knots.
Off Course 23 Port.
Course
Set 265° Mag. Course Actual 240°
Mag. Windspeed App. 12 knots.
Windspeed
True 10 knots. App.Wind Dir 35° Port
tack. Barometer 1033 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Had
a good night's sleep total of about 4½ hours.
The
wind must have backed off thus causing the self steering to steer a more
southerly course again. Will now free
off and get back to the set course.
Self steering now reset to 265° with increase of speed to 5 knots. And on a much better heading.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 6253. Waterspeed 5½ knots. Off Course 26 Port.
Course
set 265° Mag. Course Actual 265°
Mag. Windspeed App. 22 knots.
Windspeed
True 21 knots. App. Wind Dir. 70° Port
tack. Barometer 1032 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
The
barometer is falling again and the wind has sprung up justifying the present
rig. But the course has stayed good
(though I just had a glance at the compass and found 240° again, but its back
to 265° again - Achilles Neuf must badly want to go to the Azores again).
I'll probably change by usage of the Hadrian Off Course equipment to bring in the alarm.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 6270. Waterspeed 5¾ knots. Off Course 26.6 Zero'd Port.
Course
set 265° Mag. Course Actual 260°
Mag. Windspeed App. 25 knots.
Windspeed
True 23 knots. App. Wind Dir. 60° Port
Tack. Barometer 1030 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 47°53' North. 15° 00'
West.
Barometer - 1300 hrs. 1029 -
1400 hrs. 1028. - 1500 hrs. 1027 - 1026.
Wind has exceeded 28 knots, into a Force 7. but 25 in a fair average as over the last hour. Wind direction is constant. It has been overcast but there is sign of it brightening now. At the present, there will be no chance of checking position by Sextant. Large seas heaping up.
1500
hrs.GMT. Log 6286. Waterspeed 5½ knots. Off Course 0.3 Starboard.
Course
set 265 Mag. Course Actual 270 Mag. Windspeed App. 26 knots.
Windspeed
True 25 knots. App. Wind Dir 65° Port
Tack. Barometer 1026.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Frequent
gusts of 35 knots but she is holding her course well. The seas are large by comparison with seas
seen in the same wind strengths in the Channel.
They
seem to rise up rather than form part of a regular wave system. Luckily, I have no cause to beat to windward
- that would be most uncomfortable. We
must be driving into a low pressure area.
Being on the port tack I have found most comfortable, sitting to windward as I wish to, to write on the centre "chest" top from the windward (port) berth with a cockpit seat cushion jammed between my chest and the "sea chest". This way I can brace myself thus make a moderate job of the operation of writing. However, it has taken me 25 minutes to write these two pages!!
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 6303. Waterspeed 5½ knots. Off Course 8 Starboard.
Course
set 265° Mag. Course Actual 285°
Mag. Windspeed App. 24 knots.
Windspeed
True 22 knots. App. Wind Dir 65° Port Tack. Barometer 1025 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
The
wind is about the same but it has veered a little causing me to be taking a
slightly more Northerly direction than I really want.
However,
although the sea has moderated a little, I will stay on the present "off
course" as we moved a little to the south so this will bring us more to
the original route. If I go any more
South I may have to specially avoid the Chancer Bank instead of avoiding it naturally
as did the original course.
I shall try some solid food tonight. I feel very cold and the sea is still a little rough for much cooking, but I must eat tonight. There is so much food on board, after all.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 6319. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 16.7 Starboard.
Course
set 265° Mag. Course Actual 265°
Mag. Windspeed App 21 knots.
Windspeed
True 20 knots. App. Wind Dir 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1025 still falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Barometer
and wind steady. Whilst still rough and
bumpy it has lost its height so its still a bumpy ride we are not crashing into
great holes. One little freak wave
managed to crash on deck and water wriggled its way deep into the interior.
I had a good meal of soup, beef, potatoes and carrots. Orange to follow.
11th
June 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 6333.
Waterspeed 4½ knots.
Off
Course 15 Starboard. Course set 265° Mag. Course Actual 265° Mag.
Windspeed
App. 26 knots. Windspeed True 24
knots. App.Wind Dir. 45° Port tack.
Barometer
1023 falling. Mainsail reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Happy
Birthday, Mother. This is getting a
habit to wish you on your birthday in the Ship's Log. A Habit I must break judging by the noise
outside. The sea has got up again.
This
is a silly occupation being frightened out of your skin and calling it
work. A good Trade Unionist wouldn't do
it.
Still - some people are doing it for pleasure. STUPID!
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 6363. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 15 Starboard.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 265Mag. Windspeed App. 23 knots.
Windspeed
True 21 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45° Port
tack. Barometer 1021 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
I've
got my cushion in my chest, comfy like!
Not getting the battering we had during the night, that was vicious, the
seas are longer and not so high except for the rogue. The skies are still very overcast, visibility
is better, it's not raining.
I am not aware I slept at all but perhaps I dozed.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 6393. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 25 Zero'd Starboard.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 295°Mag. Windspeed App. 22 knots.
Windspeed
True 20 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1024 rising.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 47°40'North. 18°00'West.
A little watery sun has shown through but unless it improves dramatically I stand no chance again to get a sun sight. In any case the boat is moving about too much to provide a steady platform. Surely by now the depression should be clearing away to the North East as the forecasters promise it will or else soon I will have sailed right through it. It is probably no harder on the Northern Route - so far!
2000
hrs.GMT. Log 6424. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 13 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 300°(?)
Mag. Windspeed App. 12 knots.
Windspeed
True 10 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1026 rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Utter
change in weather occurred around 1600 hrs.
I was changing gas bottles when the wind died and went round. After a short while I shook out the reefs in
the main and hoisted the No.1 Genoa.
Whilst doing that I found that the Equinox safety-harness was liable to unfasten itself so I sewed that up. I then decided to charge the batteries and to my horror found that the Honda Generator box had a lot of water in it. I can't get it to go now. Its saturated. Must think what to do. Then to cheer me up about 6 dolphins came to play around the bow. Beautiful - really lovely!
2230
hrs.GMT. Log 6434. Waterspeed 3¾ knots. Off Course 20 Starboard.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 225°Mag. Windspeed App. 10 knots.
Windspeed
True 9 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°
Starboard tack. Barometer 1028 rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Some
change in tactics are now called for.
Strategy is already set. We are
on the Azores route but I still wish it to be a Northern version of it. The wind being as it is at the moment we can
only hold a course that is some 40°North (M) of the desired course so a
starboard hand tack is called for even if it means going South of Chancer Bank
(which I wished to avoid due to the desire to keep to three Great Circles on
this Azores route.) So far it has paid
off but for the last couple of hours I've been debating this change in tactics. Trouble is that the strength of wind
suggests the retention of Port Tack but it does mean I would have to go
Northerly at this moment. I think a less
Southerly course will suit us best. If
with more work I cannot get the Honda going I will uncouple the RCA Dolphin
shaft and charge up from that engine. I
do not like to do this as if trouble rears its ugly head I will not then have
an engine to spirit me away. But we are
well clear of the shipping lines now so it will not be urgent to have an engine
available till almost the end of the voyage when I am back in the shipping
lanes again. The shaft is sealed so to
use the engine is out anyway except for dire emergency.
I think this will work well enough.
12th
June 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 6439.
Waterspeed 3 knots.
Off
Course 17 Starboard. Course set
265°Mag. Course Actual 290°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 9 knots. Windspeed True 8
knots. App. Wind Dir. 35 Port Tack.
Barometer
1028 steady. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
In
a short time it became clear that the wind was backing slightly. So while the principle remains I have taken her
back onto port tack. For the next couple
of days we will concentrate on sailing anywhere in the Sector 195° - 295°
Magnetic. After 14th June at the present
pace it may be necessary to work on lower figures.
On self steering it seems unrealistic to work on closer figures.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 6466. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 34 Starboard.
Course
set 265 Mag. Course Actual 270 Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35° Port
Tack. Barometer 1029 rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
The
wind has continued to back till now we are almost making the set course.
I
set the alarm (kitchen timer) to wake me every ½ hour to keep a check on the
course and all was well. I am not aware
that the course exceeded 290°Mag.
It was a pleasant night with no marked wave pattern. Very different to the night before. Though, on reflection, there was no settled wave pattern either!
0930
hrs.GMT. Log 6479. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 35 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag. Windspeed App. 16 knots.
Windspeed
True 14 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1029.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Wind
a little changeable and backing at present.
A few minutes ago it had veered and increased to 20 kn. with the
beginnings of a sea running. Having
backed again I have eased sheets to help her through the lop, yet still
maintaining a good course. Whilst
writing the speed has dropped to 4 kn. again.
It is overcast and have not seen the sun to-day. Saw it last evening but thats no good for a Meridian Sunshot.
1120
hrs. GMT. Log 6488. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 34.7 Starboard.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 255°Mag. Windspeed App. 18 knots.
Windspeed
True 17 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1030 rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Position 47°25' North. 19°39.5' West.
Just
made contact with Danish Container Vessel AXEL MAERSK who promised to report to
Lloyds my position. I saw him and waited
till we were abeam (but about 3 miles distant) and called him on R.T. He said he would report to Lloyds for me.
Further
he stated my present position for me as above.
The
sun is now shining and I can, with luck, check with sextant. Not necessary, of course.
Apart
from the position I phoned in Monday morning this has been my first
answer. Georgie and everyone will now
know my present position soon.
It's a relief even for me to know they will soon hear.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 6492. Waterspeed 5½ knots. Off Course ZERO.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 15 knots. App. Wind Dir. 60° Port
tack. Barometer 1030.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Position 47°25' North. 19°40' West.
The
race is one week old and I have covered 700 miles - yes exactly 700 - nautical
miles in the 7 days. This puts me
perhaps 2 days ahead of schedule based on a crossing of 42 days but these
should have been ahead of schedule. The
short distance days are yet to come once we get West of the Azores where the
wind is light. I must confess I thought
we were about 15 miles further on, but I am in fact very very pleased to find I
am only that much in error. The distance
travelled "as the crows fly" is 635 n.miles so not too much has been
lost in cross tacking so far.
I
wonder how the other competitors have been getting on? Apart from the first day the conditions must
be suiting the big monohulls but will it perhaps be a bit boisterous for the
small ones on the Northern Route - I hope so!!
I
don't understand cats at all.
Perhaps
they have found the winds a little more free than here. We'll just have to wait and see.
The sun is behind the clouds again but it keeps breaking through. A small sea is running again but we are sailing free enough to power our way through.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 6522. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 1.4 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 265°Mag. Windspeed App. 18 knots.
Windspeed
True 16 knots. App. Wind Dir. 40° Port
Tack. Barometer 1030.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Since
1500 hrs. it has been very sunny, but cold.
There is enough "lump" in the sea now for me soon to take down
some mainsail as if I keep up the genoa there will be enough power. At the moment the heeling angle is excessive.
As can be seen from the above, we are holding a good course.
13th
June 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 6549
Waterspeed 5 knots.
Off
Course 5.9 Starboard. Course set
265°Mag. Course Actual 275°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 25 knots. Windspeed Tru 22
knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°
Barometer
1028 falling. Mainsail reefed 2 No.1 Jib.
The wind and sea are up to their tricks again. Having taken some mainsail down the wind continued to strengthen to 25 kn. - still with the No.1 Genoa up; so when changing headsails I got 100% soaked waist down despite being properly dressed. The bow got utterly submerged with a high breaker and me with it sitting down on the foredeck. So we have the same situation as the night before last. On the shipping forecast I hear they will be having Gale 8 at Shannon. Hope the smaller boats are clear in time but it is doubtful. There are people that take their leisure sitting in front of a fire with a good book, a good wife and a delicate glass of brandy beside them. Must learn to be one of those. Must be nice.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 6575. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 22 Starboard.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag. Windspeed App. 12 knots.
Windspeed
True 11 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45° Port
tack. Barometer 1028.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Where
is my cushion? - Ah.
That's
better. Slept well, perhaps 4½ hours.
Wind
has been very changeable. Made an
abortive attempt to put her on to Starboard tack during the night but found
that our heading was worse than the one we were on so after ½ hour or so
playing with the new course I put her back on Port. The wind was then 18 kn. Obviously I must now increase sail area.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 6585. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 28 Starboard.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 290°Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35° - 40°
Port Tack. Barometer 1030 rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
With the No.1 Genoa and the full main we are bowling along smoothly now. The apparent wind direction is closer 40° really. I have plenty of scope to sail her closer but when I tried the direction of the wave pattern tended to push the bows round at the top of a big one causing her to luff and almost go about. The self steering being just unable to cope with this situation.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 6598. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 34 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App. Wind Dir. 50° Port
Tack. Barometer 1030 steady.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 47°15'North. 22°00'West.
I despair of ever seeing the sun again at midday. Apart from last Sunday while I was balancing on the edge of Wolf Rock it has only shown itself at this time for a few brief moments and that was when the sea was shaking my teeth out. Doesn't it realise that hundreds of poor marinaters (sauteed sailors in a marinade of brine) want to see his cheerful face at noon just to find out where the hell they are?
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 6626. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 10 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 13 knots.
Windspeed
True 11 knots. App. Wind Dir. 40° Port
Tack. Barometer.1030 steady.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
The weather man needs to wake up earlier. At 1630 hrs. out came the sun – but too late for my Meridian sight. Apart from keeping an eye on the course and the sails I've been doing a few odd jobs: putting an elastic strap on the toilet, making up a spare and stronger, safety harness line. It is still a bit too bumpy to work on the Honda generator, perhaps tomorrow will be smoother.
2100
hrs. Log 6639. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 11 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 255°Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1031 Rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Wind
has backed a little bringing us back to the correct course, overdoing it if
anything. I have already eased sheets
and will do so again if the trend continues.
At the moment, therefore, the off course indicator is reducing the figure above (at the moment it now reads 10.93).
The new safety line took 3 hours. My costing is all at sea at the moment.
14th
June 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 6654.
Waterspeed 5 knots.
Off
Course 8.24 Starboard. Course Set
265°Mag. Course Actual 250°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 15 knots. Windspeed True 14
knots. App.Wind Dir. 55° Port Tack.
Barometer 1030 steady. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Speed always seems greater at night. The present 5 knots feels like seven, and the spray swirls behind faster, or so it seems. A reach always seems faster at night under self steering because the wind vane needs a little time to catch up with the wind and so tends to overcorrect itself thus keeping one going in a weaving fashion
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 6686. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 12 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 250°Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 15 knots. App.Wind Dir.45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1028 Falling.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Had to be up betimes twice in the night to tend the steering. Once the sails had completely taken control and we “running” on starboard tack with the genoa sheeted as for port. The other time she was temporarily going due North with a wind shift that reverted once I had got her set up again.
A grey day and my eyes are not open yet.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 6701. Waterspeed 5¼ knots. Off Course 11.3 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag. Windspeed App. 22 knots.
Windspeed
True 20 knots. App.Wind Dir.60° Port
Tack. Barometer 1028 Rising/Falling?
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
The wind and sea are stronger than this time yesterday but again, as at now, the sextant is out. From the U.K. one thinks of getting more sunshine as one gets closer to the Azores High. Well, of course, I am hoping to keep just North of that; but I am surprised at the lack of sun with a continuous fairly high pressure reading on the Barometer.
1045
hrs.GMT. Log 6710. Waterspeed 434 knots. Off Course 12.3 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag. Windspeed App. 22 knots.
Windspeed
True 20 knots. App.Wind Dir. 60° Port
Tack. Barometer 1027 Falling.
Mainsail
reed 2. No.1 Genoa.
The
Barometer is very slowly falling and the sea has steadily increased.
Visibility
on the other hand has severely reduced – maybe ½ mile.
If I were in the North with icebergs I'd be petrified.
Any further drop in the barometer and I'll reduce sail.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 6716. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 14 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 265°Mag. Windspeed App. 25 knots.
Windspeed
True 23 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1026 Falling.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 46°46'
North.24°30°West.
It
was getting too much to carry so I reduced to No.1 Jib. The seas are high and sometimes breaking over
the boat.
Visibility is down to about ¼ mile. I have found on average it takes a half an hour to change headsails; it would probably take less to change to a larger sail from a small one than vice versa.
1500
hrs.GMT. Log 6732. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 4.5 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 295°Mag. Windspeed App. 21 knots.
Windspeed
True 19 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1026.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
The wind has been up in the 27 Kn. area for the last couple of hours.
The sea was quite hard but a few minutes ago we had some rain then the wind dropped a little. I think the lull is only temporary. It was rather funny although the sea calmed down rather, it would still suddenly wake up and throw one at you.
We
have drifted off course a bit this last couple of hours but not drastically so.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 295°Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 13 knots. App. Wind Dir. 40
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1026.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
I am having a short rest for a couple of hours or so while I have a meal.
For
two nights now I have not had time to prepare a meal before I found it was
either too late or blowing too hard. The
wind went back strong but has now eased off;
there is an irregular sea running.
For the first time to-day I have now been able to leave the hatches
open. It has been getting increasingly
damp inside the boat so this will also be a chance to air her out.
So as to get a snack at lunch-time I simply had tomato juice and biscuits which is crazy with all this food on board. Anything else, however, would have been impossible then. Visibility has been very poor all day but is good now. There is no blue in the sky but it is becoming brighter.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 6759. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 23 Starboard.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 305°Mag. Windspeed App. 21 knots.
Windspeed
True 19 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1028 Rising.
Windspeed
is up again but it is a lovely evening.
At present the rollers are very large but few “sneaky” breakers.
Driving
into the setting sun the cloud formation and its colours are most beautiful,
and for a short while there was a – it's still there – a faint but full arc
rainbow; but a rainbow set in pink cloud with blue sky above it. This is the first time I've seen blue sky
to-day.
Have
eaten the curry I intended to have two nights ago; have washed, shaved and had the first
complete change for three days.
I
am writing this with Lalo's Symphonie Espagnol playing in the tape, will next
have the Bruch Violin Concerto; I've
just had “High Society”.
All this to windward at 5 knots and I'm feeling good.
15th
June 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 6771.
Waterspeed 4 knots.
Off
Course 29.8 Starboard. Course Set
265°Mag. Course Actual 305°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 21 knots. Windspeed True 19
knots. App.Wind Dir 45° Port Tack.
Barometer
1028. Mainsail reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Just before sitting down to write this I had to dash out to correct the steering. The jib had been taken aback, the boat had turned right round and was heading back to Plymouth.
The evening remains fine if windy - a little more gusty, perhaps.
0745
hrs.GMT. Log 6797. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 49 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag. Windspeed App. 25 knots.
Windspeed
True 24 knots. App.Wind Dir.40° Port
Tack. Barometer 1028.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
I am late in writing this having seen a whole herd of porpoises at the stern. A tremendous sight. There must have been a hundred of them. I feel sure I must have sailed through them on the same course that they were on because gradually they slipped behind. I got a few pictures but really it needed cine-film. From within the cabin I could hear a lot of "whistling". At first I thought the noise of small black seabirds (they were accompanying the porpoises) - but looking down on the water saw a number of porpoises - then the whole herd. The noises, I can only surmise, were warnings that the first creatures I overtook gave to those in front.
The seas were huge but not breaking; there was a great distance between peaks. And the porpoises were breaking through the waves just after the peak passed. Thus, I had these large round heads bursting through the back of the wave – now at my own level, or even higher.
Well, the night was a very noisy one but the course is now a poor one. basically 300° but sometimes I saw 330° both Magnetic. It must be remembered the variation hereabouts is near 20°W so we need to deduct 20° from those figures.
Every time I conclude that I must go on the other tack I get a compass heading close to the 265° so I leave it for a while.
I am not worried about going excessively West at the moment, as it will be easier to avoid, by many miles, the Chaucer Bank; this I must stay West of now.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 6806. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 56 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag. Windspeed App. 27 knots.
Windspeed
True 25 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1029 Rising.
Mainsail-Reefed
2. No.1 Jib.
In
the middle of a squall at the moment, probably gusting over 30 knots but 23
knots is likely to be the "normal" strength. Had another squall earlier about 0830 hours.
It
has been sunny but at the moment it is blotted out. I'm getting a fixation on this sun sight!
Occasionally
when leaping (at this speed?) off a wave it feels like coming down in a
lift. Weightless. It's all right when the boat is upright but
when it is heeled she slams down viciously with a tremendous crash on hitting
the water.
The
squall seems to have gone now. Boatspeed
now 4½ kn. Course 280°.
I'm
well cushioned as I write this.
Putting
the cockpit cushions against the table/chest and then resting hard into them
gives a nice stable writing platform when I choose to write from the windward
side.
The
rubber stamp headings also make it easy not to forget necessary data.
I do not like the formal printed Logbooks.
1200
hrs GMT. Log 6819. Waterspeed3½ knots. Off Course 64 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 315°Mag. Windspeed App. 25 knots.
Windspeed
True 24 knots. App.Wind Dir 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1030 Rising.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 47°15' North.26°48'
West.
Well, the sun is shining, if it stays out for a couple of hours more and if the sea quietens we will get our long lost sun-sight. The sea, of course, is not quiet; at the moment it is surprisingly bumpy. I will probably have to heave to when I take the sights as it is far too wild and there is too much spray otherwise.
2230
hrs.GMT. Log 6856. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 28 Port.
Course
Set 365°Mag. Course Actual 210°Mag. Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 14 knots. App.Wind Dir 55°
Starboard tack. Barometer 1037 Rising.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.2 Jib.
I've
just finished an extremely hard afternoon/evening. On completing the last entry I put her on to
Starboard tack.
Stayed
on the helm for maybe 3 hours in very heavy seas bouncing the waves. Never seen seas like them. Just Bloody Great Mountains that kept
changing their position and shape;
suddenly rearing up ahead where there was a flat before; then leaving a great hole as the wave
disappeared under the boat to the other side.
Or else it would break on the bow and carry on green all over the
boat. I had to be strapped on at the
helm.
After
a while I had a look below and it was a wet shambles - Everything everywhere
and soaking wet.
Then
a snap shackle parted on the Jib and by the time I got the jib down, the other
shackle had almost ripped the eye out of the Jib clew.
Looked
around to find where the water was coming from - cockpit locker again.
The Honda was flooded so remembering the dreadful accident in Plymouth I threw it over the side. All £140. worth of it!
16th
June 1978. 0700
hrs.GMT. Log 6890. Waterspeed 4 knots.
Off
Course NIL Port. Course Set
265°Mag. Course Actual 285°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 20 knots. Windspeed True 18
knots. App. Wind Dir. 45° Port Tack.
Barometer 1036 Rising. Mainsail Reefed 2. No.2 Jib.
Have just put her on to Port tack after oversleeping. A good night's rest anyway - I only awoke once; checked course and went back to sleep; this change of course was because of a combination of the cancelling out of the previous days distance off course and the poor heading I was getting, barely better than 180° Mag. The sea is much easier than yesterday's.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 6910. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 10.4 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 275°Mag. Windspeed App. 24 knots.
Windspeed
True 22 knots. App.Wind Dir. 50° Port
Tack. Barometer 1037 steady.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.2 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 45°52'North.
27°22'West.
It's
a continuing saga.
Very
high seas, fairly high winds Leaping off the top of a wave down to a hole in
the sea, at the bottom of a wave. But,
oh, when the boat does that my heart bleeds.
The crash is something awful. And
I mean awful in the full sense of the word.
VERY hurried sextant reading 46°00'.5
1800
hrs.GMT. LOG 6937. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 5 Starboard.
Course
Set 265° Mag. Course Actual
290°Mag. Windspeed App. 27 knots.
Windspeed
True 25 knots. App.Wind Dir 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1035 Falling.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.2 Jib.
This is getting beyond a joke. Apart from a while last evening its been Force 6 or 7 frequently 8 in gusts.
And
the banging from one wave to the next jars the living daylights out of one.
Keeping
a watch is damn near impossible. It is
just hurtling into oblivion.
I bet it is easier on the Northern Route.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 6952. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 8.5 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 295°Mag. Windspeed App. 25 knots.
Windspeed
True 23 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1035 steady.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.2 Jib.
No change what bloody ever.
2230
hrs.GMT. Log 6958. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 11.67 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 2l5°Mag. Windspeed App. 27 knots.
Windspeed
True 25 knots. App. Wind Dir.
40°Starboard tack. Barometer 1035
steady.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.2 Jib.
Changed on to Starboard tack.
Wet.
17th
June 1978. 0001
hrs.GMT. Log 6962. Waterspeed 3½ knots.
Off
Course 10.2 Starboard. Course Set
265°Mag. Course Actual 210°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 26 knots. Windspeed True 24
knots. App. Wind Dir 35° Starboard tack.
Barometer
1035 steady. Mainsail reefed 2. No.2 Jib.
On
Southern tack, hopefully to find some better weather.
There can't be much of this left, surely?
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 6980. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 6.86 Port
Course
Set 265° Mag. Course Actual
225°Mag. Windspeed App. 21 knots.
Windspeed
True 22 knots. App. Wind Dir.
35°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1035
steady.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.2 Jib.
The
sea is easier and the wind is coming down.
Still strong gust though; far
higher than the above 21 knots suggest.
I've just had a good 5 hours sleep and will try for some more.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 6989. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 12 Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 230°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 19 knots. App. Wind Dir 40°
Starboard tack. Barometer 1035 steady.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.2 Jib.
I'm
afraid the boat is dismally damp inside and my stock of drying clothes is very
low. Sponges don't pick off the
damp; they soak up water.
I tried yesterday to repair the No.1 Jib but the motion of the boat was so irregular I had to stop. I will try again soon.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 6998. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 22 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 220°
Mag. Windspeed App. 16 knots.
Windspeed
True 14 knots. App. Wind Dir.
35°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1037
Rising.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.2 Genoa. Dead Reckoning Position 45°19'North.
28°35'West.
Having
finished my work inside the boat to make it habitable again I've put up the
No.2 Genoa and after having taken sun sights (there is a faint watery sun) will
shake out all the main assuming things stay as they are. The sea is easy going with just the odd big
one.
I
note that the starboard sheet has worn through close to the shackle so I will
have to repair that before going onto Port Tack.
Later:
Further
investigation showed that both sheets were worn in the same places.
This
must be wear from the shrouds.
Later
still:
Albeit
with brief glimpses of the Sun at 1354 hrs.BMT. our Position is as follows :-
45°04'North.
28°36'West.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 7023. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 7.5 Port.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 290°Mag. Windspeed App. 13 knots.
Windspeed
True 11 knots. App. Wind Dir.45°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
Well,
this has turned into a beautiful afternoon.
The sky is blue, the sun is shining, the sea is pleasant, the wind is
good, the house is clean and the course is, well, not too bad.
What
a difference to the last few days when it has been sheer misery. Not survival conditions but quite bad enough
to wish to see no more of them on this voyage.
After
all, this is supposed to be the easy route and unless they have had consistent
Force 8 up there I reckon this will have been as bad. Still, the sun is shining
now. I have got him down in my little
book and find that after nearly a week my Dead Reckoning is very few miles
out. Fifteen miles in fact.
Just
before settling down to write this I had about 6 - 8 dolphins playing around
the bows. Lovely creatures. Their favourite trick seems to be to swim
back past the stern and the flash up to the bows surfacing as they overtake the
bow.
Now the only sadness is that it is so long since I've seen a vessel that hopefully could transmit a message for Georgie.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 7038. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 3.6 Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App.Wind Dir.
45°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
Have done a slightly tricky job on the boom. I found that one of the screws holding the boom extrusion to its gooseneck casting was adrift and all the others loose. I tried tightening the others but they had "worried" the metal away thus there was nothing to screw back into. Only the compression from the sail foot tension was holding it in place. I drilled four more holes (difficult with the boat moving) and got four screws in, unfortunately one lost its head. Not only is it essential to have the boom secure for commonsense reasons but without those screws we would have no ability to reef the mainsail since as well as securing the parts together the screws also transfer the torque when turning the reefing gear.
18th
June. 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 7051.
Waterspeed 4½ knots.
Off
Course 2.6 Port. Course Set
265°Mag. Course Actual 265°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 15 knots. Windspeed True 13
knots. App.Wind Dir.40 Port Tack.
Barometer
1037 steady. Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
Even
the course is good.
The
wind has been slowly backing until now it has us bang on our present course.
Made a good meal of spiced kidney beans in Pork with green beans to go with it
followed by a fresh orange. I shall be
putting Brahms 3rd Symphony on the cassette player and have a drop of Brandy.
That
will end an increasingly more splendid day.
Whilst Beethoven without doubt surpassed Brahms in sheer high quality quantity I think Brahms 3rd rivals his best. For plain honest to goodness romanticism it takes some beating - makes me want to get home.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 7077. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 4.7 Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 265°Mag. Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 13 knots. App. Wind Dir. 55°Port
Tack. Barometer 1036 steady.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
Easy
night apart from waking to check the course and adjust it further.
The
wind backed a little more.
Cloudless night but dawn has now broken and brightening the sky.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 7093. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 6.2 Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 255°Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 15 knots. App. Wind Dir.55° Port
Tack. Barometer 1035 steady.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
The wind got up to a little above the 20 knot mark an hour ago and the seas started coming over but now it has eased again.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 7110. Waterspeed 5¼ knots. Off Course 6.2 (zero) Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 14 knots. App. Wind Dir. 55°Port
Tack. Barometer 1035 steady.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 44°18'North. 30°38' West.
Wonderful
morning's sailing.
59
n.miles since midnight and all very close indeed to the prescribed course. Started off closehauled (or pretty well as I
dare to go under self-steering with any sea at all running) and have gradually
gone round to a reach.
Although there are two hours to go before the Meridian sight I cannot see much likelihood of the conditions changing much.
1300
hrs.GMT. Log 7116. Waterspeed 5¼ knots. Off Course Zero.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag.
Note change in set course to 260°.
1405
hrs.GMT. Log 7120. Off Course 0.5 Starboard
Sextant
44°29'North. 31°00' West.
The above sextant positions were arrived at under excellent conditions and I can see no reason not to adopt them in arriving at the next Dead Reckoning.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 7137. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 3.8 Starboard.
Course
set 260°Mag. Course actual 275°Mag. Windspeed App. 16 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1033 falling.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
The day has stayed lovely with this nice breeze. This is the type of weather we are led to believe we are entitled to on the Azores route. Perhaps I stayed too far North and West. But then, this is still a race despite the lousy handicap.
I
did heave to for a short while so as to affix two new clips on the forehatch
which has been leaking. This is a job I
meant to do in Plymouth but there was never enough time.
While taking the sun sights I feel sure I saw a Tunna fish or more than one. It, or they, must have been in a shoal of its fodder. There was a tremendous turmoil in the water and a whole flight of gulls swooping above waiting for their share.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 7152. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 13.13 Starboard.
Course
set 260°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1033 steady.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
I
believe there is such a fish as a Sailfish, if there is I have seen a lot of
them this afternoon. They have grey
shiny bodies about 9 inches long and a semicircular "sail"
transparent but with purple edges.
Over to my Port quarter is a long line of cloud, Cumulus type, even though the islands are about 300 miles away. I believe these clouds are formed over the Azores. After all the mountains rise to a very considerable height. Pico, I think, rises to 7000 ft. and from one aspect rises straight out of the sea as an equalateral triangle; must be an amazing sight. One I've only seen from photographs.
19th
June, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 7166.
Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course
20.8 Starboard.
Course
set 260°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App.Wind Dir.40 Port
Tack. Barometer 1031 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.2 Genoa.
Just before 2200 I looked out to find a long dark "mackerel" edged cloud firm above the horizon. Thinking it might mean bad weather (and it still might) I put 2 reefs in the mainsail.
On
coming back in I heard on a BBC shortwave Sportsnews broadcast that there have
been a large number of retirements and sinkings among the OSTAR fleet.
It
made me glad I took some mainsail down!
I
gathered that Colas in Club Med. has been storm damaged and hove to for three
days; that Kritur II was in fear of
breaking up; that Oceanic ITT (ex
Vendredi 13) is being towed in by a Russian Trawler. Not good news and I dearly wish I could
contact a vessel to let them know I am safe.
Georgie must be having kittens if she has heard that lot.
I
noticed earlier that the rigging has gone a bit slack, even the new 8 mm wire
that some people said was ridiculously oversize. A couple of days of near gales is hard on
rigging.
When
the right conditions present themselves I will tighten them some.
So
far I have had to renew the ends of the foresheet twice already.
Now to get some sleep.
0430
hrs.GMT. Log 7188. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 30.36 starboard.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 23 gusting 26 knots.
Windspeed
True 22 knots. App. Wind Dir.35 - 40
Port tack. Barometer 1029 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.2 Genoa.
I
didn't get any sleep.
About
0100 hrs. the wind increased to the present figure and has stayed there and
I've been on pins as to whether I should get up above and change sail or stay
as we are.
The
situation is that if we were racing her with a full crew we would happily carry
this much sail but change to a smaller foresail in anything more than
this. But singlehanded I'd rather have
changed already. I am especially
reluctant to change before daylight as I will not risk precious battery for the
mast mounted deck light until I have arranged for my being able to recharge.
It is too noisy to sleep, though.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 7212. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 46 Starboard.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App. Wind Dir.40° Port
Tack. Barometer 1028 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.2 Genoa.
I
have slept off and on, for about 3 hours.
Dismal,
damp, overcast day, but there is still time for the overcast to clear and allow
me to open the vents and companionway.
At
noon, the race will be a fortnight old.
The leaders could finish about Tuesday.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 7227. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 53 (zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 21 knots.
Windspeed
True 19 knots. App. Wind Dir. 40°
Starboard tack. Barometer 1028.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.2 Genoa. Dead Reckoning Position 44°23'North.
33°20'West.
Conditions
have remained steady.
It
is most unlikely that I can use the sextant to-day. Fortunately I got a good sight yesterday so
it will be some days now before I get desperate for a sight of the sun. As far as navigation is concerned, anyway.
So
the bank of cloud I saw yesterday did mean a deterioration in the weather.
So now we enter the third week of the race, at which time we are probably still 2 days ahead of my anticipated schedule.
1400
hrs.GMT. Log 7237. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course Zero.
Course
set 260°Mag. Windspeed App. 20
knots. Windspeed True 18 knots.
App.
Wind Dir. 40° Starboard tack. Barometer
1027.
Changed
to Starboard Tack.
Whilst changing tack it began to rain heavily but it was warm rain, not unpleasant.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 7257. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 16.8 Port.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 210°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App. Wind Dir.
40°Starboard tack. Barometer 1026.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.2 Genoa.
The
afternoon has continued overcast.
Although the windstrength has remained constant I think perhaps it is
backing a little which on this tack will do me no good at all.
If it definitely backs I will go back onto Port Tack.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 7271. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 25 Port.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 210°Mag. Windspeed App. 12 knots.
Windspeed
True 11 knots. App. Wind
Dir.40°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1026.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
The wind is dropping away and it is drizzling. Visibility is only about ½ mile.
20th
June. 1978. 001 hrs.GMT.
Log 7281. Waterspeed 3 knots.
Off
Course 28.5 (Zero) Course Set
260°-230°Mag. Course Actual 220°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 8 knots. Windspeed True 7
knots. App. Wind Dir. 50°Starboard tack.
Barometer
1027 rising. Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
Extremely
tired tonight. Obviously I did not get
enough sleep last night due to the noise but if things continue through the
night as they are now I shall get a full night's sleep. The Boat is gently rocking herself along and
will probably rock me to sleep. If one
can forget the wish to be in contact with home the needs on a trip like this
are minimal; what to eat, how much shall I drink, what is there to repair, shall I wash and shave - or not? then if the ship is jumping about a lot how
shall I do these things and how to survive?
Mixed in there is how much to sleep, if it is possible or how the hell
can I stay awake for just that bit longer?
Course altered to 230°Mag for the night.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 7298. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 4 Port.
Course
Set 230°Mag. Course Actual See Below. Windspeed App. 10 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir.
50°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1025.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
The
wind has been variable both in strength and direction during the night and has
been self correcting as far as off course is concerned, although some mileage
has
has been lost.
At
the moment of writing the course is 270°M.
The mileage was poor, anyway.
It is a very misty morning and the sea is almost flat apart from little wavelets.
0845
hrs.GMT. Log 7305. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 5 Port.
Course
Set 230°-250°Mag. Course Actual
250°Mag. Windspeed App. 9 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir. 50°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1025.
Mainsail. No2 Genoa.
Note change of set course.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 7327. Waterspeed 5¼ knots. Off Course 4.6 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 250°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag. Windspeed App. 16 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App. Wind Dir.
130°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1027
Rising.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 43°02'North. 34°20'West.
I have been playing with the self steering a lot this morning and at long last I have tumbled to the cause of the trouble. The wind vane was not properly varnished and it has been soaking up water and is thus overweight, the counterweights were not returning the vane properly therefore the vane was quite content to stay put where it was last pushed and cause the boat to "hunt”.
1800
hrs. GMT. Log 7361. Waterspeed 5¼ knots. *Off Course 30 (Zero)*
Course
Set 250°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag. Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App. Wind Dir.
120°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1029
rising.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
I am sure the off course figure above is a nonsense one; perhaps I did not press the reset button properly or perhaps when I put new batteries in the log (which I did at 1500 hrs) the reading was affected in some way. In any case I shall ignore it as we have kept a jolly good course this afternoon now that the self steering is working properly - and it is.
Apart
from the self steering now working well it has been a very satisfactory
afternoon. First of all the miles we've
put in and the course we've kept (for I am sure it has been a good one) but
also I think we now have good electric charging facilities. I have disconnected the propellor shaft
taking great care not to break the lead seal on the shaft that the race
scrutineers put on. Thus with the jumper
leads I have made up I can now tap into the engine batteries to charge up the
"domestic" supply.
I
will have to be careful not to short across any of the leads before
charging but I have taken precautions against trouble there.
The
engine was run for 2 hours partly to charge the engine batteries and partly one
of the two domestic batteries.
Off
Course 2 Starboard. Course Set
250°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 10 knots. Windspeed True 12
knots. App. Wind Dir. 120°Starboard Tack
Barometer
1030. Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
I saw a vessel about an hour ago and tried to contact it by radio telephone but I got no reply. It is the first Vessel of any sort I have seen since I was able to pass a message through to Lloyds a week or more ago.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 7420. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 4.1 Starboard.
Course
Set 250°Mag. Course Actual 230°Mag. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir.
l20°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1030.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
Slept fairly well but still tired so I will get back to my berth.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 7445. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 3.9 (zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 250°Mag. Course Actual 250°Mag. Windspeed App. 4 knots.
Windspeed
True 5 knots. App. Wind Dir. 120°
Starboard tack. Barometer 1032 rising.
Mainsail. Genoa Drifter. Dead Reckoning 42°00'North. 35°30'West.
Whilst
there is quite a lot of cloud about the weather is very hot. In fact it is the first hot day so far
experienced in the whole race. Not that
the temperature has been cold; even in the bad weather it was never cold, just
damp or wet.
The
wind has fallen away. I suppose really I
should be flying the spinnaker but I feel there is too much swell to make a go
of it.
But
I do have up the Arun Drifter. I'll save
the Butler Verner for beating in light airs rather than reaching, it is cut
primarily as a beating sail.
I
must make preparations for my noon sight.
By Sextant 2½ hours later. Latitude as follows: 41°33'N.
1300
hrs.GMT. Log 7448. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course NIL Zero.
Course
Set 250°-260°Mag.
Note change of course.
1630 hrs.GMT.
I
have been suffering an increasing amount of earache in my right ear.
In
case it is caused by cold (I do not think so) I have plugged it with cotton
wool.
More to the point, I have taken 2 off Distalgesic tablets to relieve the pain.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 7467. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 0.29 Port.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 250°Mag. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 6 knots. App. Wind Dir.
40°Starboard tack. Barometer 1032.
Mainsail. Genoa Drifter.
A pleasant enough afternoon, not as warm as at midday but the increase in wind and change in direction might make it seem colder than it really is.
The
wind, which for some 24 - 30 hours has been approximately due North has been
from a most unusual direction judging from the Routing Chart. It has now backed through some 50° and is, on
average, giving a cIose fetch to keep on course. It is very inclined to swing around though
and sometimes catches the wind vane on the hop.
It is inclined to back the jib on occasions and the quickest thing then
is to go all the way round gybeing as we go.
* I've had a close up of one of the previously
mentioned "Sailfish”.
They
are indeed about 9 inches long and the “sail" is a transparent fin almost
the full overall length of the creature.
The sail is supported by a broadening at the base of the sail (the
foot?) and a web-like structure stiffens up the sail. The fish is rather lacking in beam (is this
where the term "narrow gutted" comes from?) and has tentacles hanging
down from the underbody. It uses the
tail end of its body as a rudder but I say tail end as it does not appear to
thin out as much as the normal fish.
There also appears to be a bulge at one side of its head, the portside,
which could give it some hydrodynamic lift.
Most interesting.
22nd
June, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 7494.
Waterspeed 4½ knots.
Off
Course NIL. Course Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 17 knots. Windspeed True 15
knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°Starboard tack.
Barometer
1031. Mainsail reefed 1. No.1 Genoa.
Close hauled but on course. I had to change from the Arun Drifter at 2000 hrs. this evening. The wind began to pipe up so I changed with the windspeed indicating 12 kn. Later I took one reef in the mainsail.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 7523. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 2 Port.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1029 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.2 Genoa.
Had to reduce sail during the night. Yacht heeling excessively and we have lost no speed by reducing area.
The
sea is gradually rising, but at the moment is not too bad.
She has kept an excellent course.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 7535. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 3.9 Port.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 240°Mag. Windspeed App. 22 knots.
Windspseed
True 20 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1030.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Heeled
too much so reduced sail still further.
The seas are building up a bit now.
Sunshine albeit with low cloud.
The wind has backed about 20° but I dare not sail any closer. She would point higher but she'd lose so much speed that she would bounce up and down in the same wave.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 7550. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 9.3 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 235°Mag. Windspeed App. 21 knots.
Windspeed
True 19 knots. App. Wind Dir.
35°Starboard tack. Barometer 1029.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 41°00'North.
37°33'West.
The
weather is very fine. Sadly I fear I
shall not get a good sun sight because of the motion. It would be right and proper no doubt to
heave to in order to get a good sight but will cost a mile or two.
By
Sextant 2½ hrs. later - Latitude as follows: 40°23'N.
22nd
June, 1978. 1800 hrs.GMT. Log 7576.
Waterspeed 4¼ knots.
Off
Course 11.7 Port. Course Set
260°Mag. Course Actual 225° Mag.
Windspeed
App. 18 knots. Windspeed True 16
knots. App.Wind Dir.35°Starboard Tack
Barometer
1028. Mainsail reefed 1. No.1 Jib.
There
has not been much activity on board just a general clean up etc.
With
hindsight it is unfortunate I did not gain some Westering yesterday. To-day I can no longer hold the course and
will have to put a tack in before Midnight now.
Two
days' figures with the sextant show a confirmed latitude some 0°25' more
Southerly than my D.R. I will now work
to the amended latitude.
*
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 7592. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course NIL.
Course
Set 315°Mag. Course Actual 315 Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°Port
Tack. Barometer 1026 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 1. No.1 Jib.
*
Put her on Port tack at 1920hrs.
Log reading 7581. Off Course 12.5
port.
We
will be tacking to suit any major windshifts till we get to our point on the
38° Latitude which marks the end of the first leg.
We
have virtually reached the half distance mark and should have done so by
tomorrow night.
I turned on the radio for the news particularly on the race but all I heard through the static was to do with Alain Glicksman. I believe he has injured himself and has put back to Plymouth.
23rd
June, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 7607.
Waterspeed 4 knots.
Off
Course 1.9 Port. Course Set
315°Mag. Course Actual 295° Mag.
Windspeed
App. 20 knots. Windspeed True 18
knots. App.Wind Dir. 45°Port Tack.
Barometer
1026 Mainsail reefed 1. No.1 Jib.
Having changed my clothing, every stitch of it, I slipped out to turn the engine off (battery charging) and got utterly soaked so had to start all over again.
0415
hrs.GMT. Log 7624. Barometer 1021.
A
shroud has broken.
The
portside lower aft shroud has broken at the top end. Being dark I do not know if there is any
other damage but I think not. It has
been blowing strong all night and I heard an unusual tapping noise on the coach
roof. I dressed up and went to have a
look and saw the wire draped over the roof.
I
took both sails down, rolling the main and tied the jib to the guardrail.
Checked
round elsewhere and everything looks O.K. but must recheck in the morning. Being fairly near to Flores I had a quick
look at the chart but it is some 3 days away plus a further 3 days back here
again so I will go up the mast if I possibly can. I don't relish the idea but I must give it a
try. The problem will be the state of
the sea.
I will try to get some sleep while rolling about here waiting for daylight.
1030
hrs.GMT. Log 7625. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course Inoperative.
Course
Set 260°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag. Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 13 knots. App. Wind Dir.
35°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1024
Rising.
Mainsail
reefed 1. No.1 Jib.
I
should be kicked all around the boat.
The obvious and quickest and safest thing to have done last night was to
put her on to the other tack and kept sailing her.
This simple realisation came to me while I was at the mast at spreader height having exhausted myself trying to get that last two feet higher up the mast so as to rig the replacement shroud.
I
had got up at sunrise to organise the bosuns chair and to organise myself to do
the job single handed. Having got
together the tools, found some wire (albeit heavier) decided on method; I got to spreader height to find that I
needed a further two feet to manage the job.
There was by now a fair sea running with 15 knots of wind; there was much less when I started, and I was
being swung from one side to the other.
I managed to get one foot higher so as to handle the clevis pin but not
to work on it.
When
I eventually concluded I could not do it with these conditions I decided I
would have to take the other tack and go south.
Then it hit me. I should have
changed tacks at the beginning not some hours later.
Although some hours have been wastedit wasn't all waste as I now know I must have a longer warp to haul me up on and I can get this made up from the kedge anchor warp. I will still have to pick my time though, climbing has always terrified me and I hoped never to have had to do this at sea.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 7632. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course Inoperative.
Course
Set 265 Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag. Windspeed App. 18 knots.
Windspeed
True 16 knots. App. Wind Dir.
45°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1025.
Mainsail
reefed 1. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 40°12'North.
39°20'West.
The
wind having veered has us now on my wished for heading that we had last night
but on opposite tacks.
If
only we could forecast the wind direction accurately and make our navigation
with that foreknowledge how much time we could save. Whilst I was confident yesterday that we
would have passed nominal half way mark by this time to-day I think I should
save the celebration especially remembering the rigging trouble.
The
sun is out above light cloud so the sun sight should be on.
Backtracing from the Sextant Position we are within a stonesthrow HALFWAY.
1320
hrs.GMT. Log 7638. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course Zero.
Course
Set 265 Mag. Course Actual 235°Mag.
Hadrian Off Course now back in operation.
1530
hrs.GMT. Log 7650. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 1.4 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 240 Mag. Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App. Wind
Dir.45°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1025.
Mainsail
Reefed 1. No.1 Jib. Sextant Position 40°06'North. 39°40'West.
This
Position must be considered just over HALFWAY.
Therefore we are about 3 days ahead of schedule.
1640
hrs.GMT. Log 7656. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 2.99
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 285°Mag. Windspeed App. 12 knots.
Windspeed
True 11 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1025.
Mainsail
Reefed 1. No.1 Jib. Position 39°48'North. 39°42'West.
THANK GOODNESS !!!
We
have had a Container ship "Sealandia" Copenhagen almost on collision
course with us. Actually they would have
passed under our stern by a small margin.
She altered course for us and passed across our bows. Upon completion I contacted her on R.T. and
they promised to send a telegram to Lloyds for me. So after another long time Georgie will know
(and everyone else I am sure) that all is well.
It has been such a long time.
He gave me my position which pretty well confirms my own work (8 miles adrift).
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 7663. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 5.3 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 275°Mag. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 5 knots. App. Wind Dir.
45°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1027
Rising.
Mainsail
reefed 1. No.1 Genoa.
I am being overcautious at this moment I know but it is clear that I must be very careful not to be overcanvassed until I get to Newport and renew all lower shrouds. These are the only part of the rigging that were not replaced and it is these that tha are now more than suspect.
24th
June, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 7676.
Waterspeed ¾ knots.
Off
Course 6.2 (Zero) Starboard. Course Set
265°Mag. Course Actual 265 ? Mag.
Windspeed
App. 3 knots. Windspeed True 3
knots. App. Wind Dir. 100° ?
Barometer
1028 Rising. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
We are now in an almost flat calm. The sails are slatting and if it continues I may well take them down and drift till the wind picks up again.
I tried going up the mast again with the new warp system but I have come to the conclusion that I will never do it satisfactorily so must think of some other way of supporting the mast. Even though it was fairly calm the motion makes it too difficult for me to get up and work. I've got more bruises in those two attemps than on the rest of the trip. I just don't think I am agile enough. Perhaps I can suceed with rope.
I am so glad I got that R/T message across for Georgie. Both Danish ships.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 7687. Waterspeed 2 knots. Off Course 5.9 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 290 Mag. Windspeed App. 4 knots.
Windspeed
True 5 knots. App. Wind Dir. 160°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1027
Mainsail
reefed. No.1 Genoa.
Still
dark. As soon as it is daylight I will
get some extra sail up.
Despite the lack of progress I think it was right to roll up the main to save itself from slatting itself to a soft rag.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 7695. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 6.1 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course.Actual 300 Mag. Windspeed App. 4 knots.
Windspeed
True 7½ knots. App. Wind Dir. 180° Port
Tack. Barometer 1027.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Have
got the Genoa boomed out to Port and the main over on Starboard, but the boat
does not like it very much.
She will not hold course.
1030
hrs.GMT. Log 7700. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 7.62 (Zero)
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 7 knots. App. Wind Dir. 120 Port
Tack. Barometer 1027.
I've
had the sails goosewinged on both tacks now but she does not like either very
much. The wind is just too variable in
direction.
I shall now try making her on a very broad reach to see how that suits.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 7707. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 0.5 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 7 knots. App. Wind Dir. 90°Port
Tack. Barometer 1028 Rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 39°32'North. 40°39'West.
Achilles
Neuf is settled down on a broad reach on Port Tack. Unusually I have the Spi. pole booming the
Genoa out which is paying off fairly well.
The weather is warm, good visibility but too often (bearing in mind the sextant comes out in 2½ hrs.) the clouds obscure it.
1530
hrs.GMT. Log 7727. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 1 Starboard.
Course
set 265°Mag. Course Actual 295°Mag. Windspeed App. 8 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir. 90°Port
Tack. Barometer 1028.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Sextant Position 39°28'North. 40°56'West.
Very good conditions, these should be an accurate set of bearings.
1800 hrs.GMT.
Log 7740. Waterspeed 4
knots. Off Course 3.8 Starboard.
Course Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 295 Mag. Windspeed App. 5 knots.
Windspeed True 5 knots. App. Wind Dir. 90° Port Tack. Barometer 1028.
Mainsail.
No.1 Genoa.
From
the June Routing Chart it is most unusual to have a wind from the South East. But that is what we've had all day. It is very light but under the rules of this
race I may, and have, the Genoa boomed out on the same side as the main boom.
This
is having a very beneficial affect as the sail is not slatting and thus losing
the little power 5 knots of wind develop by just frightening the waves. The waves will only get their own back.
Around 17 hrs. we had a visit from our friends, the dolphins. I am quite sure that music attracts them. The Cassette player was on and along they came. It's just great the way they play around the bows, hang back then race up to the bows again.
2200
hrs.GMT. Log 7756. Waterspeed 2½ knots. Off Course 7.47 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 265°Mag. Windspeed App. 8 knots.
Windspeed
True 7 knots. App. Wind Dir. 60°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1028.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Just
put her onto Starboard tack as a final windshift put that last tack out of
court. Already we are back on course on the other tack.
Two
things occurred whilst tacking -
(1)
A light shower in which I wondered whether to have a quick natural shower
but it stopped before I had to make up
my mind.
(2) A horrible heavy oil slick on the water. A sheet dipped in and came out filthy.
25th
June, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 7760.
Waterspeed 1½ knots.
Off
Course 7.6 (Zero) Starboard. Course Set
265°Mag. Course Actual 265°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 2 knots. Windspeed True 2
knots. App. Wind Dir. 90° Starboard
tack.
Barometer
1028. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
It
has been a beautiful day but has now dropped to a flat calm, almost.
I tried baking bread rolls this evening. They were absolutely delicious but totally impractical on board a yacht. I used more fresh water cleaning up afterward than would have lasted a week - Still they were lovely.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 7776. Waterspeed 3¾ knots. Off~Course 2.5 Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 205°Mag. Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 13 knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1028.
Mainsail
reefed 3. No.1 Genoa.
I've had to stay up most of the night, the wind has been so fickle. I slept from 0030 till 0200 but got rolled of the starboard berth (we were then on Port Tack) when the sails were taken aback. By the time I got that sorted out I found we had begun to sail back to Plymouth. So I decided to stay up till the wind sorted itself out. Went below 0630.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 7788. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 6.6 Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 215°Mag. Windspeed App. 11 knots.
Windspeed
True 10 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°
Starboard tack. Barometer 1028.
Mainsail
2. No.1 Genoa.
Have
just woken up with the wind apparently settled as we are on much the same
course as at 0600.
I'll shake the reefs out from the mainsail first thing.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 7800. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 15.5 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual
220°Mag.* Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 13 knots. App. Wind Dir.
35°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1030
Rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa. Dead Reckoning Position 38°33'North.
42°00'West.
The
wind has veered more than shows above, mostly we are sailing around 245°M *.
Our
friend the sun rules the skies at the moment, indeed he has done all
morning. There is just a little light
cloud.
In setting down the co-ordinates above that great psychological uplift came "The Turning of the Chart" that I find other people also get lift when the time comes. We are now on the second half of the Northern Portion chart and now I can look forward to where I am going - as opposed to where I have come from.
1500
hrs.GMT. Log 7813. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 7.2 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 305°Mag. Windspeed App. 12 knots.
Windspeed
True 10 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35° Port
Tack. Barometer 1031 Rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Position SEXTANT 38°58'North. 42°00'West.
Note
change of tack and Course.
I am afraid there is a lot of difference in Latitude and since the sextant positions were taken under good conditions I must give them best even though it gives a disadvantageous position.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 7828. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 8.9 Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 310°Mag. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 6 knots. App. Wind Dir. 50° Port
Tack. Barometer 1032 Rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Yet
another beautiful afternoon. Very
pleasant sailing indeed but it's not doing a lot for my final "over the
line time".
If
one were cruising with no need to be concerned with a given number of days to
be in it would be so relaxing.
But we are not cruising so RACE.
2000
hrs.GMT. Log 7837. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 14.5 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual 315°Mag. Windspeed App. 12 knots.
Windspeed
True 10 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1031.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
About to change tacks.
2130
hrs.GMT. Log 7843. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 4.26 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 265°Mag. Course Actual
190°-315°Mag. Windspeed App. 10 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir. 40°Port
Tack. Barometer 1032.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Gone
back to Port tack.
The wind is becoming variable in direction.
"North
Duke" .
Just
contacted above bulk carrier who is sending off telegram to Lloyds.
Georgie
will be getting used to it.
The reason I am getting through at the present time is that we are close to the crossing points of three shipping routes. I do not know where "North Duke" is bound but "Sealandia" I feel sure from what he said had come through the Panama Canal and is on her way to Northern Europe.
26th
June, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 7850.
Waterspeed 3 knots.
Off
Course 4.8 Starboard. Course Set
265°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 9 knots. Windspeed True 8
knots. App. Wind Dir. 35° Port Tack.
Barometer
1032. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
I heard on a Sports Results programme on BBC World Service short wave programme that no news is in yet on Tabarly and that if he does not get in within the next 16 minutes he will not break the record. This was an hour ago. This must surely mean that Colas on Club Mediterranea is no longer in contention and equally that the first yacht is not yet home.
0045
hrs. hrs.GMT. Log 7851. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 5.3 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 250°Mag. Course Actual 235°Mag. Windspeed App. 9 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1032.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Before
retiring I've gone on to Starboard tack to give greater security to the mast.
The
rope and wire provisional shroud makes me unhappy but I don't think I'll do
much better.
I have changed the Indicator Course in order to make use of the Off Course alarm during the night.
0440
hrs.GMT. Log 7866. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 2.8 Port.
Course
Set 250°Mag. Course Actual 235°Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 15 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1032.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
Just
had 10 minutes of excitement. I woke up
when the foresail was taken aback just as last night. When I got her straightened out the wind
speed was gusting 20 knots. So I took
the mainsail down to the second reefing point.
She's
thundering along now.
Good
wind, flat sea.
Lovely starlit night, too.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 7874. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 9.8 Port.
Course
Set 250°Mag. Course Actual 200°Mag. Windspeed App. 13 knots.
Windspeed
True 11 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35° 35°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1032.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
The
sky is clouding from the South West but it is still too dark to say more.
We are travelling along most nicely with AchillesNeuf barely dipping her nose enough to be aware of the insignificant waves. Nevertheless, our course must improve or we change tacks.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 7890. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 13.75 Port.
Course
Set 250°Mag. Course Actual 220°Mag. Windspeed App. 16 knots.
Windspeed
True 14 knots. App. Wind Dir.
35°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1034
Rising.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
It is unsettling the way the actual course is hovering on the point where I have to decide to hold the present course or tack.
1200
hrs. Log 7903. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 22 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 250°-270°Mag. Course Actual
210°-315°Mag. Windspeed App. 18 knots.
Windspeed
True 15 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°. Barometer 1035 Rising.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 38°04'North. 42°03'
West.
I
have just changed tacks so that we are now on Port tack (hence the confusion up
above).
Immediately
prior to the change of tacks I handed the No.1 Genoa and hoisted the No.1
Jib. This is because of the lack of
proper support for the mast when on Port tack.
The
rope/wire shroud is less than good but if I take care when on Port it should
suffice. Thus I must always be
under-canvassed on Port tack.
It
might cost me a couple of days but we'll see.
We are doing 4¾ knots at the moment of writing after all.
On
looking up Reeds for the transit I've only just realised that the race is now 3
weeks old. I wonder if it has been won
yet. Tonight's Sports Roundup may tell.
My
own position is that we are just about 3 days up on schedule and must dream
therefore for a 36 - 37 day crossing.
The first corner has been turned now after all.
1500
hrs.GMT. Log 7919. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 6.6 Starboard.
Course
Set 270°Mag. Course Actual 295°Mag. Windspeed App. 18 knots.
Windspeed
True 16 knots. App. Wind Dir.
45°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1035.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib. Sextant Position 38°20'North.
Due
to cloud I could get no satisfactory readings for Longitude and I am not too
happy with Latitude.
Must not take too much notice of to-day's sighting.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 7934. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 16 Starboard.
Course
Set 270°Mag. Course Actual 295°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 17 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1036.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Once
sextant time was over the clouds parted and the sun came out.
The wind has been gradually increasing till now 20 knots seems to be the order of the day.
27th
June, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 7964.
Waterspeed 5 knots.
Off
Course 34 (Zero) Starboard. Course Set
270°Mag. Course Actual 320°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 19 knots. Windspeed True 18
knots. App. Wind Dir. 55°Port Tack.
Barometer
1036. Mainsail Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Will
go onto Starboard tack now for night.
The wind has been blowing consistent 20 knots.
If the damn shroud had not broken I could have taken much better course advantage but I have been looking carefully at the mast as we go over heavyish seas and it is moving enough to cause me to try to gentle my way over them by bearing off a little.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 7995. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 24.5 Port.
Course
Set 270°Mag. Course Actual 220°Mag. Windspeed App. 18 knots.
Windspeed
True 17 kn. App. Wind Dir. 30°Starboard
Tack. Barometer 1035.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Overslept
this morning, it's a penalty for staying up most of the early night.
A
problem is deciding just what should be considered night on this sort of
trip. First. of all, ship's time is
G.M.T. and slowly noon is becoming later and later.
But then there is the need to save, or rather not use, electricity. So I am considering night starting at nightfall.
1000
hrs.GMT. Log 7997. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 26 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 270°Mag. Course Actual 220°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1035.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Course
set now changed to 290°.
Tack
now changed to Port.
It is a lovely sunny day again though it started rather cloudy, the wind however remains South West, 20 knots.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8008. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 3.2 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 310°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1035.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 37°32'North.
43°44'West.
While
there is a fair amount of cloud around it does not obscure the sun, the weather
is rather changeable. As long as we have
the Sun at around 1500 hrs. it will suffice.
I hear on the ratio that temperatures as high as 95 Farenheit are being recorded in London.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8037. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 11 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App.Wind Dir. 50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1036.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.1 Jib.
I
think I'll stop mentioning the weather at all prior to having taken Sun Sights
as doing so seems to encourage the clouds to cover it just at the critical
time.
To relieve the rigging I have taken a third reef in the mainsail.
28th
June, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 8060.
Waterspeed 4¼ knots.
Off
Course 14.6 (Zero) Starboard. Course Set
290°Mag. Course Actual 290°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 18 knots. Windspeed True 17
knots. App.Wind Dir. 50°Port Tack.
Barometer
1034 Falling. Mainsail Reefed 3. No.2 Jib.
Whilst listening to the BBC World Service "News on Wales" (Vincent Kane) I was very sad to hear that Val Howells has suffered sufficiently serious personal injury to cause him to retire from the race. As far as I could gather he slipped on deck and lay semi-conscious for two days. He sailed into Milford Haven. I met him at the Buffet on the Thursday before the race and found him a most impressive man.
We've
been plugging along at a steady 4 – 4½ knots under the No.2 Jib for a couple of
hours, almost no loss of speed, and have dared to sail closer to the wind than
I would with the No.1. The strain on the
rig is so much less. It is not just the
mast bend I am worried about but the movement in all directions that occur
especially when she comes off a big wave.
It
is surprising how well she is moving with so little sail.
The ride is much more comfortable too.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 8074. Waterspeed 2½ knots. Off Course 2 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual
295°Mag., Windspeed App. 22 knots.
Windspeed
True 21 knots. App.Wind Dir. 50°Port Tack.
Barometer 1030 Falling.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. Storm Jib.
I
did not dare even leaving up the number 2 Jib so I put up the storm jib.
The trouble is far more the sea than the wind. The middle of the mast is moving in all directions.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 8088. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 3 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 310°Mag. Windpseed App. 13 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App.Wind Dir. 50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1032 Rising.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. Storm Jib.
It
has now gone very quiet. Going out now
to put up the No.1 Jib and unreef some main.
If then the wind stays light I'll put up a Genoa.
This change in wind strength is too good to be true. The sea is still very lumpy, of course.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8095. Waterspeed 2 knots. Off Course 7.3 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 240°Mag. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 6 knots. App.Wind Dir. 50°Starboard
Tack. Barometer 1034 Rising.
Mainsail. No.2 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 37°52'North. 46°25 West
The
wind now has almost gone but the lumpy sea remains. I shall put up the light Genoa.
Drizzle is falling and it is overcast to the complete exclusion of the sun.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8103. Waterspeed 1 knot. Off Course NIL.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual
320°?Mag. Windspeed App. 2 knots.
Windspeed
True 2 knots. App.Wind Dir. 150°?
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1034.
Mainsail. Genoa Drifter.
Virtually
a flat calm all afternoon. No
discernable wind at the moment.
We
are making one knot but if I tried to put her on correct course that too would
go. Overcast all afternoon. The Sun peeped through but no at the right
times, therefore no sextant. On land
this weather would be “muggy". It
is just nothing at sea.
I have "lasooed" the starboard spreader again and taken another "shroud" down to the cap shroud "U” bolt and pulled it tight on the spinnaker winch. Hopefully this will give better support.
2000
hrs.GMT. Log 8105. Waterspeed I½ knots. Off Course 1.5 Starboard?
Course
Set 1290°Mag. Course Actual
290°Mag. Windspeed App. 3 knots.
Windspeed
True 2 knots. App.Wind Dir. 160°Port
Tack. Barometer 1032 Falling.
Mainsail. Genoa Drifter. Position 37°54'North. 46°35'West.
Whilst
having a rain shower (with Fairy Liquid spread all over head and body) I espied
a warship on the horizon. Quickly I
dried off and contacted the "ESSEN" a West German destroyer, by R.T.
They
gave me my position and promised to send the telegram off to Lloyds.
We've sailed 10 n.miles in 8 hours!
29th
June, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 8114.
Waterspeed 3 knots.
Off
Course 2.5 (Zero) Starboard. Course Set
290°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 15 knots. Windspeed True 14
knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°Port Tack.
Barometer
1031 Falling. Mainsail. Genoa Drifter.
There is something wrong with these figures.
The
wind has sprung up and is blowing the Drifter overful.
I must reduce sail quick.
0130
hrs.GMT. L06 8117. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 0.27 Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
windspeed
True 18 knots. App.wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1030 Falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Note
change in course. I meant to do this at
0001 hrs.
The
wind has come up again. I might need to
reduce sail still further.
Why, Oh Why, can't it keep constant. There is no consideration at all in this world.
0400
hrs.GMT. Log 8125. Waterspeed 3¾ knots. Off Course 2 [Zero] Starboard.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 305°Mag. Windspeed App. 20-27 knots.
Windspeed
True 20 knots. App. Wind Dir. 50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1029 Falling.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.2 Jib.
For
some reason the Off Course was working improperly so I have Zero'd it and
guessed a 2 miles to Port.
I've
taken more sail down. It is the only
sensible thing to do.
I
heard on the radio just betore midnight that the French Navy are going to mount
a searchfor Eric Tabarly who has not
been heard of now for 6 days. When last
I heard on the radio of him he was expected in to Newport within 3 days of
then.
Hope
he's not lost.
It
also appears that no-one has finished yet.
No records have been broken this year.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 8131. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 3.38 (Zero) Starboard
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 225°Mag. Windspeed App. 20-27 knots.
Windspeed
True 20 knots. App.Wind Dir. 50°Starboard
Tack. Barometer 1029.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.2 Jib.
The
wind has gradually been veering so I've put her on the opposite tack
[Starboard].
It has been a busy night.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 8142. Waterspeed 2¾ knots. Off Course 10.6 Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 250°Mag. Windspeed App. 18 knots.
Windspeed
True 17 knots. App.Wind Dir.
40°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1031
Falling.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.2 Jib.
A somewhat boisterous night, relieved by much sail changing. The sun is out though - not that I'll mention it till after sextant time.
1110
hrs.GMT.
Eric
Tabarly has won!
He
sailed into Newport at 0900 hrs. this morning.
Colas
is expected shortly.
This is approximately 24 days.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8149. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 14.25 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 265°Mag. Windspeed App. 21 knots.
Windspeed
True 19 knots. App.Wind Dir 50°Starboard
Tack. Barometer 1832 Rising.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 37°45'North.
47°22’West.
Now
that I have put the No.1 Jib up the wind has increased too.
I'm so delighted that Eric Tabarly has won, or at least that he is safe. If a Briton had won it would have pleased me more. Being about a week overdue from his last communication gave serious concern for his safety - on this ship anyway. If Colas on Club Med. is finishing to-day it will mean that provided I finish on schedule I won't have done so bad and that is based on the disgraceful handicap I was given at the Club.
What
are the chances of finishing on schedule?
My Dead Reckoning (based on the position given me by destroyer
"Essen") leaves me with 1260 miles to go. Straight line miles. Of these 430, let us say 450 are expected to
be a reach therefore 5 days should be adequate.
The
remaining 825 miles are likely to be either beating or a close fetch; let me guess 50% of each; 450 beating, 450 close fetch. Because of tacking and bearing in mind self
steering does steer as close as by hand (in practise at least) that 450 beating
miles should be regarded as 675 miles in a straight line; so we now have 1125 miles to go.
If
I can average 80 miles per day that will give 3 or 4 days in hand to cover
extremes of wind.
So there is a chance. A fair chance.
1515
hrs.GMT. Log 8161. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 1.0
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 285°Mag. Windspeed App. 10 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1034 Rising.
Mainsail
FULL. No.1 Genoa. Sextant Position 38°12'North. 47° West.
There
is some deficiency in this sextant work.
I might have knocked it without being aware of it. Tomorrow I must check the sextant
through. For starters anyway.
I covered so few miles yesterday that surely the D.R. is accurate enough.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8170. Waterspeed 2 knots. Off Course 1 Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 315°Mag. Windspeed App. 5 knots.
Windspeed
True 6 knots. App. Wind Dir.
120°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1035
Rising.
Mainsail. Genoa Fantom.
I
am afraid the wind is dying towards a calm.
Substitution of the Fantom Genoa has to some extent stopped all the wind
being driven out of the sails by the sea motion.
We are keeping going but it is wrong really to suppose that we are keeping constant to the course or, indeed, to the wind.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 8177. Waterspeed 2 knots. Off Course 1.67 Starboard.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 300 Mag. Windspeed App. 5 knots.
Windspeed
True 7 knots. App.Wind Dir. 160
Port. Barometer 1035.
Mainsail. Genoa Drifter.
We are running before with the Genoa poled out. I changed to the Drifter so as to save the Fantom for beating.
I've had the dolphins round to play again. They are wonderful to look at playing under the bow. The water is so clear that their whole shape can be seen swerving from side to side. There were about 6 - 8 around. They seem to be attracted by singing or music.
30th
June, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 8185.
Waterspeed 3¼ knots.
Off
Course 3.67 Starboard. Course Set
285°Mag. Course Actual 285°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 7 knots. Windspeed True 7
knots. App. Wind Dir. 90°Port Tack.
Barometer
1036 Rising. Mainsail. Genoa Drifter.
It
has been a wonderful afternoon and evenings sail despite the little wind.
It was very hot early on but as the evening approached it became cooler and the sea flattened out making it possible for the little wind to be used effectively.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 8207 Waterspeed 2½ knots. Off Course 2 Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 315 Mag. Windspeed App. 4 knots.
Windspeed
True 6 knots. App.Wind Dir. 100° Port
Tack. Barometer 1036.
Mainsail. Genoa Drifter.
0920
hrs.GMT. Log 8215. Waterspeed 1 knot. Off Course 3 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 330°Mag. Windspeed App. 3 knots.
Windspeed
True 3 knots. App. Wind Dir.
90°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1036.
Mainsail. Genoa Drifter. Position 37°35'North. 47°12’West.
Coming straight out of the Sun on just off a collision course perchance came upon a Norwegian merchant vessel “Hardanger" of Bergen. After she passed across my bows I called her on R.T. for a position check which is as above. He did not seem overwilling to send the telegram. Fortunately there are not many days since the last one.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8218. Waterspeed 1½ knots. Off Course 1.46 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 320°Mag. Windspeed App. 3 knots.
Windspeed
True 3 knots. App.Wind Dir. 60°Port
Tack. Barometer 1036.
Mainsail. Genoa Fantom.
Dead Reckoning Position 37°35’North. 47°15’West.
As
the wind has been from all directions I've been trying all sorts of set-up of
the sails.
It
is terribly hot and I am sweating like a pig.
I
will have to take some care else I may get heat exhaustion.
At
the moment whilst writing this I am stripped in the shade of the navigators
chart with a wet cloth draped over my head.
It
sounds daft but under present circumstances it does not seem such an unwise
thing to do.
Navigation
seems to have gone to pot this last few days.
I have just plotted the position "Hardanger” gave me and it is
actually further East of my D.R. at noon yesterday. Let us see what the sextant gives us to-day.
What is certain is that little progress has been made since yesterday.
1600
hrs.GMT. L06 8229. Waterspeed 3¼ knots. Off Course 0.56 Port.
Course
Set 265 Mag. Course 280 Mag. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 5 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1038 Rising.
Mainsail. Genoa Fantom.
Sextant Position 37°25’North. 48°15’West
when Log read 8227.
Well.
I don't know.
If
I had not asked "Hardanger" for confirmation of position I would have
accepted the above sextant position as being reasonable especially considering
the excellent conditions I had when I took the readings.
I believe that "Hardanger" said either 37 when they meant 36 or I misheard them. In any case for the time being I shall assume that the sextant position to be correct.
1645
hrs.GMT. Log 8231. Waterspeed 3 knots.
I'm
not sure but I believe I must have sailed over the-track of a whale. A long streak of foamy water, a very long
streak of perhaps ½ mile long by 20ft. in width. Just the same sort of wake the Achilles Neuf
leaves on the surface of the water.
At
first when I saw it I thought I had crossed tacks with another boat or ship but
there is nothing else around apart from perhaps a whale?
For days past I have seen a lot of a spikey type of seaweed. It can only be the weed that is associated with the Sargasso Sea, the lifeless area of the Atlantic that lies just south west of here.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8237. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 0.21 Starboard.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 290°Mag. Windspeed App. 11 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App.Wind Dir 40° Port
Tack. Barometer 1039 Rising.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
I've
changed to the No.1 Genoa now that the wind has increased and we are on our way
again!
On the radio I learn that Michael Birch, a Canadian, in "The Third Turtle" has finished. "The Third Turtle" is a 32' Tri. and in the Jester class. She must surely win both Jester and the Handicap. It's all happening!
1st
July, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 8258.
Waterspeed 4 knots.
Off
Course 2.7 (Zero) Starboard. Course Set
285°Mag. Course Actual 305°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 8 knots. Windspeed True 6 knots. App.Wind Dir. 50°Port Tack.
Barometer
1038. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
A
busy evening on maintenance etc. One big
worry that I think is sorted out is that the Sailor R.T. failed to work. I think it was just a fuse and purely by
chance I have some 5 amp fuses that are dimensionally O.K. but may be too
strong. When I get to Newport one of the
first things to do is to get replacements.
I
seem not to be able to get any useful charge in my supplementary batteries so I
must chance the engine batteries being careful to run the engine every day.
Another
boat has got into Newport - a Pole is the Skipper. Did'nt catch the name so I'll look up the
programme to see if I can trace it that way.
Yacht "Spaniel" Kazi Jaworski.
0400
hrs.GMT. Log 8277. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 8.64 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 330°Mag. Windspeed App. 11 knots.
Windspeed
True 9 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45° Port
Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
To
put us on a better heading, perhaps, I have now tacked, so we are now on
starboard.
Just
as I completed setting the sails the heavens opened up and it poured.
And
the wind changed direction.
So we are making just as bad a heading on the other tack!
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 8284. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 6.4 Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 235°Mag. Windspeed App. 10 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45°
Starboard tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Burbling
along quite nicely.
Back to bed.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 8292. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 10.7 Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 250°Mag. Windspeed App. 11 knots.
Windspeed
True 9 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°
Starboard tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
I
think Achilles Neuf enjoyed her shower last night. It was the first heavy downpour for
weeks and the deck was becoming sticky with salt. Large crystals of salt came off in your hand
first thing each morning.
Again
the sun is shining. The sailing
conditions as such are pretty well unchanged.
During, and immediately after the rain the wind speed went up and down
like a yo-yo but the direction didn't alter by more than some 45°.
Having settled down again it has stayed that way, veering if anything which helps.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8311. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 18.8 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 230°Mag. Windspeed App. 9 knots.
Windspeed
True 7 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 37°10'North. 49°50'West.
That's
been a more productive days sail but it is still not good enough.
The
last few days have been pretty hopeless, in no way to be compared with the
mileage put in at the beginning of the race.
This particular area must be expected to be slow so the Routing Chart tells me, but I can't afford to be as slow as this.
1540
hrs.GMT. Log 8322. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 8.7 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 230°Mag. Windspeed App. 12 knots.
Windspeed
True 10 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1039.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Will now change tacks.
1600
hrs.GMT. Log 8328. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 3.82 Starboard.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 330°Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35° Port
Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Sextant Position 36°55'North. 49°41'West.
when Log read 8325.
It is not as good as the D.R. and that's a pity. We are up with and to weather of my projected position for Saturday of this week but I've made no more advantage.
1730
hrs.GMT. Log 8334. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 8.00 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set. 285°Mag. Course Actual
250°Mag. Windspeed App. 11 knots.
Windspeed
True 9 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35° Port
Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Will
change to Starboard now.
The
wind direction is very variable and is changing with the clouds.
It is fairly cloudy and I must watch out for the windshifts very carefully.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8337. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 1.8 Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 250°Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 15 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail.
No.1 Genoa.
I
hear that the skipper of "Galloping Gael" American Mike Flanagan, has
been lost overboard. His yacht was found
crewless by a merchantman and it, in turn, was lost when it broke up under tow. She was found some 400 miles east of
Newfoundland.
It
is terribly sad. but this is the most likely hazard in this event.
It
must be hoped that this is the only such occurrence.
I didn't know him, but it is a brave man that is lost.
I must reduce some mainsail, the wind has increased but it looks only temporary.
2nd
July, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 8363.
Waterspeed 4 knots.
Off
Course 14.3 (Zero) Port. Course Set
285°Mag. Course Actual 265°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 14 knots. Windspeed True 12
knots. App. Wind Dir. 35° Starboard.
Barometer
1038. Mainsail Reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
Though
the wind did reduce again I have left the reefs in the main for the night.
It's
been a lovely evening - whole day in fact.
On
our present tack we have come round from barely 240° till now we are 265°.
Let's hope the veering continues through the night. Stopping at 285°, of course.
0055
hrs.GMT. Log 8367.
Because
of the bad news on Mike Flanagan I've had a feeling of melancholy this
evening. But thanks for Wagner (Tristan
and Isolde, Greig (Piano Concerto) and at this moment Schuman (again the Piano
Concerto) coupled with Mr. Harveys delectable Bristol Cream again I'm at peace
with the world. I've been sitting on the
bridgedeck with bottle in hand (shouldn't drink good sherry from a bottle I
know) trying to redesign the moon and the way it reflects on the sea, but it
can't be improved upon. Nor can the
position of the stars - with just one exception, that one single faint star in
the Plough, it really should be brighter you know. Schuman hit a point of perfection in this
concerto. It's just played. Just a few notes. Light notes, delicate notes which in contrast
with the accompanying bars each side are so very beautiful. Just like the moon, that's outside the boat
now and I can't see it but tonight its a complete crescent with the unlit side
distinctly visible, if only just.
Sad
that one particular man will no longer be able to sit on his bridgedeck and see
the heavens as they have been tonight.
Not cloudless because the clouds have added texture to the blackness. And the bright sliver of moon crescent hasn't
made the foam to be less phosphorescent.
The little pieces of matter are themselves just as bright, even
brighter, than some of the major stars.
I
am sure it is for nights such as this that people choose to sail alone. Other people would be an intrusion - even
those who are most dear to you. No other
individual can appreciate in precisely the same fashion the precise blend of
happenings that are going at a given time.
Schuman
at this moment could't be improved upon.
Hope George has not heard the news.
She'll worry. She must be worried
enough already. I hope I get in before
my scheduled date if only for her sake.
Schuman is finished. The bottle is finished. So am I.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 8388. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 10.5 Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°
Starboard Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8413. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 17 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag. Windspeed App. 19 knots.
Windspeed
True 17 knots. App. Wind Dir.
35°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Genoa. Dead Reckoning Position 36°25’North. 51°12’West.
The
wind has been steadily "increasing" and after setting this down I
shall reduce sail. I will probably go
straight down to Working Jib. The sea is
still fairly flat so the No.1 will push her through. It is a sunny morning with moderate cloud.
I am getting just a little bothered at the ra. --------------
1500
hrs.GMT. Log 8422. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 0.16(Zero) Port.
Course
Set 285°-290°Mag. Course Actual
270°Mag. Windspeed App. 23 knots.
windspeed
True 21 knots. App. Wind Dir. 40°Starboard
Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
That
was a happening hour. We got hit by a
squall (I saw no forewarning) that laid us well over - not flat by any means)
but well over just the same. I left
writing the log, dressed up and took the Genoa down then came back to collect
the No.1 Jib.
Got
that up and whilst getting it finally set up found that l was being watched by
the crew of a Merchant vessel that had slipped up unnoticed and was standing
to.
On
being satisfied that I was O.K. she went on her way.
I
telephoned her and after a while got them to understand I wanted a message
passed on. This has been arranged I
think. At the same time they gave me a
position. It ties up very nicely with my
D.R. and I have entered their position in my log.
It is just as well, as with the larger seas I would not have got a good reading to-day. Not that the seas are vicious but they're big enough. I have borne away a little because of the seas but in fact now require a slightly more Northerly course and I am now working to 290°.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8434. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 4.47 Port.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 285°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App. Wind Dir.
40°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
An
almost cloudless sky but a brisk breeze.
The sea is flattening just a little even though the wind is the
same. But the wind is not the same. It has moved just a little more to the North
West.
Without
effort on my part we are sailing, at the moment at least, bang on the course I
preferred to be on only a couple or so hours ago. Will it go round another 5° to match the new
preterred course.
The
new course is brought about to compensate for the excessive drift South due to
the constancy of the best tack to be a Southerly one over the last few
days. At the present there is no harm in
drifting even further South as the predominant wind is South West and if the
wind changes (as surely it must) I will then be able to free off a little.
This
situation could not be allowed to last for too long but even for a further
three perhaps four days would be no bad thing.
Any more than that the risk of calms is too great.
Of course, the wind may well change this evening!!
3rd
July, 1978. 0001 hrs.GMT.
Log 8459. Waterspeed 4¼ knots.
Off
Course 11 (Zero) Port. Course Set
290°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 18 knots. Windspeed True 16
knots. App. Wind Dir. 40°Starboard Tack
Barometer
1038. Mainsail Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Still
with the same sail set-up. The wind has
eased a little and has stopped gusting.
Likewise the sea is easier. It
became lumpy again from about 1930 but is much flatter now and because of it,
boat speed is up.
I hear Alain Colas is in trouble again. He has been penalised 56 hrs.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 8490. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 12.9 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 250°Mag. Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 13 knots. App.Wind Dir.
35°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No .1 Jib.
0810
hrs.GMT. Log 8495. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 1 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 270°Mag. Course Actual 230°Mag. Windspeed App. 10 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir.
50°Starboard tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Changed
tacks at 0815.
Changed to No.1 Genoa at 0830.
0915
hrs.GMT. Log 8498. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course NIL (Zero)
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 315°Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App. Wind Dir. 40°Port
Tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
The starboard tack was worsening so I've put her onto port. I am not too sure that this is the best tack yet. Wait and see.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8510. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 7 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 325°Mag. Windspeed App. 15 knots.
Windspeed
True 13 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°Port
Tack. Barometer 1038
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 36°00'North. 53°07'West.
The
race is four weeks old.
I
have stayed on this tack but the advantage is slight. The waves are small and though there is some
cloud the day is very bright and pleasantly warm.
Dolphins have been playing around the boat again. A dozen of them. They seemed to be of a larger species than the others I've seen. The white underbelly blended in a less distinct line into the grey/brown of their backs and the darker skin was spotted rather than constant in colour. But they played in the same way that the others did. Oh, there was a baby swimming alongside one particular adult, presumably the mother.
1300
hrs.GMT. Log 8514. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 1.8 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 315°Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 15 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°Port Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Heard
on radio that the 6th and 7th finishers have arrived in Newport.
David
Palmer in "F.T." and Walter Green in "Friends” both Multihulls.
I
do not yet know who came in 4th and 5th.
How
do I feel after 4 weeks at sea?
Perfectly
well physically.
Normal
mentally.
I
wonder how Georgie feels? At least the
telegrams should have been getting through to Lloyds fairly regularly.
Sadly we lost a days mileage this week thus we are only 2 days ahead of schedule. Maybe I can get some back. The chances of achieving 38 days are diminishing.
1700
hrs.GMT. Log 8531. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 11 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 330°Mag. Windspeed App. 18 knots.
Windspeed
True 16 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.1 Jib. Sextant Position 35°40'North 53°30 West.
@ 8523 on log.
The
sextant gives fair confirmation of D.R. at noon.
As
the wind increased to 20 knots and the sea built up I decreased mainsail area
then went straight down to No.1 Jib.
I tightened down harder on the winch tensioning the rope shroud.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8537. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 14.9 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 320°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.1 Jib.
No
change in circumstances.
Could
do with less wind as we cannot make use of all that is being presented and
because of the spray it is uncomfortable to sit in the cockpit without oilies
and too warm to wear oilies.
It is much better than a flat calm though.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 8552. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 22 starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 320°Mag. Windspeed App. 24 knots.
App.
Wind Dir.45°Port Tack. Barometer 1035
falling. Mainsail Reefed 3. No.1 Jib.
The
barometer is falling and the sea is pretty high again. I may have to bear off 5° or 10°.
We are keeping the boatspeed up but the hull and more particularly the mast is taking a shaking.
4th
July. 0001 hrs.GMT Log 8566.
Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 30
(Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 335°Mag. Windspeed App.22-28 knots.
Windspeed
True 20+ Knots. App.Wind Dir. 55°Port
Tack. Barometer 1034 falling.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.2 Jib.
Many
Happy returns of the day America.
Wish
I were already there to say it instead of write it.
Still,
it isn't yet their birthday - they've still got a couple of hours to do.
They
have gotten (what a horrible word - rhymes with rotten!) very excited about
this date. And in turn caused us to make
a fuss about it too.
Well, what has the last day's sailing brought. A few sail changes, increasing area to start with and then reducing it. With this boat it is undoubted fact that once the wind gets up I may just as well reduce sail as she goes damn near as fast with the smaller jibs and sails much more upright so that when she drops into the backside of a wave she just cuts into the water instead of slamming down on the flat of the bow sections. Thus, she doesn't lose the speed that one has struggled to achieve with the larger area. It pays mainly with the heavier seas, ot course.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 8598. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 15 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 310°Mag. Windspeed App. 24 knots.
Windspeed
True 22 knots. App.wind Dir. 50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1031 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 3. No.2 Jib.
What
a night! And still is. It is still dark but as soon as it dawns I
shall put on the storm jib. If
necessary, I'll do it now but we are O.K. for the present.
Wind speed is in the 20 - 30 knot range usually in the area of 24 knots but for the most part the skies are clear. The seas are large, though.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 8610. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 21 starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag. Windspeed App. 20-30 knots.
Windspeed
True 20 knots. App.wind Dir. 50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1030 Falling.
Mainsail
reefed 3. No.3 Jib.
Storm
Jib is on. This may not be necessary but
the weather looks most unsettled and it will probably stay that way for
hours. Around 0800 the sky was blue (in
places) but with clouds all the colours of the rainbow and a double arc rainbow
to go with it.
No, we'll settle for caution for a bit. Especially after the banging and crashing last night.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8620. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 26 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
set 290°Mag. Course Actual 310°Mag. Windspeed App. 25 knots.
Windspeed
True 24 knots. App.Wind Dir.50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1030.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.3 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 36°25’North.
55°10'West.
Situation as last time but the sky is clearing. If this continues I will put up the No.2 Jib again. Give it another hour.
1700
hrs.GMT. App. Wind Dir. 50°Port Tack.
Sextant
Position 36° 32'North. 55°25’West. at
8633 on Log.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8544. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 10 Starboard.
Course
Set 190°Mag. Course Actual 315°Mag. Windspeed App. 27 knots.
Windspeed
True 25 knots. App. Wind Dir.50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1030.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.2 Jib.
I
have put the No.2 Jib up though the wind has risen. The sextant sights were a bit hit and miss, I
fear, due to the sea.
By attaching it to a "U" bolt in the deck I have pressed a spi pole uphaul into service as a babystay. This has pulled the centre of the mast fw'd but hopefully will stop it panting.
5th
July. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 8668.
Waterspeed 1½ knots.
Off
Course 18.3 (Zero) Starboard. Course Set
290°Mag. Course Actual 320°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 25-35 knots. Windspeed True –
knots. App.wind Dir. 60°Port Tack.
Barometer
1028 falling. Mainsail Reefed 3.
The
storm jib went up at 2100 hrs. but within a further 30 minutes it had to come
down leaving only the fully reefed main left.
After this the self-steering wind vane broke.
The
wind has gusted to 45 kn. and I decided to virtually stop racing and
concentrate on security till this particular wind pattern sorts itself out. At this moment we have torrential rain and
there is an ugly black squall cloud overhead.
Far
better be hove to, or the equivalent, now;
have an early night and in the early morning if all is well start racing
again.
We
are in fact pointing almost in the right direction so we are making just a
little headway.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 330°Mag. Windspeed App. 25 knots.
Windspeed
True 25 knots. App.wind Dir. 70°. Barometer 1028.
Mainsail
Reefed 3.
Just
had a quick look out. It is dark, of
course; it does not begin to dawn till
about 0800 GMT. Things look much the
same as last night.
During
the night, about 2 hrs. ago, we had a lot of lightning. I took the Sailor R.T. down and disconnected
the aerial and power just in case of being struck. It could still get damaged if that happened
anyway, but it reduces the chances.
We made a little progress but I have no idea what leeway we are making.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 8678. Waterspeed 1 knot. Off Course 6 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag. Windspeed App. 22 knots.
Windspeed
True 22 knots. App. Wind Dir. 50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1027 Falling.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.3 Jib.
I've
set the storm jib.
But
we've lost another shroud. The starboard
lower forward one this time.
Obviously
I should have renewed all round. This
one has lasted for 8½ thousand hard miles but it is still not good enough. I've still got at least 900 miles to
go and that constitutes a seasons sailing for many people.
As soon as the conditions permit I shall have to knit some more rope shrouds together.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8689. Waterspeed 3¾ knots. Off Course 10.2 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 295°Mag. Windspeed App. 23 knots.
Windspeed
True 21 knots. App.Wind Dir. 50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1025 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 3. No.3 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 38°53’North.
56°28'West.
Having
just written the above the wind has increased to 29-30 knots and boatspeed nearly
5.
My choice now would be to head South West as at the moment I am too near the Gulf Stream again and I must be heading towards the depression that is causing this wind. Until I reinforce the rigging I can't change tacks.
1415
hrs.GMT. Log 8695. Waterspeed 1¼ knots. Off Course 0.57
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 305 Mag. Windspeed App. 25-35 knots.
Windspeed
True – knots. App. Wind Dir. 50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1024 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 3.
I got the rope together to do the shrouds. While taking the storm jib down the sea was knocked flat by a line squall. I had no warning because the height of the sea is foreshortening the horizon, and the clouds didn't indicate it. Got over that but I have given up trying to throw the line over the spreader for a while. Everything is moving about far too much. So again we are jogging along at 1¼ - 1½ knots.
1500
hrs.GMT. Log 8697. Waterspeed 1¾ knots. Off Course 1.01 starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag.
Windspeed App. 35 knots.
Windspeed
True. 35 knots. App.Wind Dir. 50°Port
Tack. Barometer 1023 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 3.
We still have no change except that 35 knots is constant now. That's a full gale. The motion at the moment is easy - but of course we should be belting along in this wind. It is interesting though that in this wind with only deep reefed main she is quite happily sailing to windward. Albeit not fast.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8701. Waterspeed 1½ knots. Off Course 2.2 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 295°Mag. Windspeed App. 35 knots.
Windspeed
True 35 knots. App.Wind Dir. 60°Port
Tack. Barometer 1022 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 3.
At
this rate we'll never get there.
It's very comfortable sitting here in the cabin reading Jane Austen but it is not exactly racing and yet I can do nothing about it till I can stiffen up the mast.
1925
hrs.GMT. Log 8704. Waterspeed 2 knots. Off Course 2.6 starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag. Windspeed App. 42 knots.
Windspeed
True 42 knots. App.Wind Dir. 60°Port
Tack. Barometer 1021 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 3.
Force
9 wind and the sun is shining!
The sky is clearing up to windward. Just a little anyway. I wonder if it means a change?
2000
hrs.GMT. Log 8705. Waterspeed 2 knots.
Windspeed
App. 45 knots. Barometer 1021. Mainsail Reefed 3.
Close
to Force 10 now. Everything is secured
inside in case we should be laid flat and I shall be lying on the Leeward berth
to avoid being thrown.
However, the sky is clearing, so perhaps?
2200hrs.GMT. Log 8707.
Waterspeed 1¾ knots. Off Course 4
starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 315°Mag. Windspeed App. 42 knots.
Windspeed
True 42 knots. App.Wind Dir. 60°Port
Tack. Barometer 1021.
Mainsail
reefed 3.
Force
9 still blowing. I don't think it has
reached 10. The seas are very large, of
course, but the distance between is also large.
There are smaller waves superimposed on the main ones.
As
well as having the anenometer all the classic signs are there.
Travelling
at this low speed 99% of the time it is an easy ride. It is the other 1% that makes one worry.
The
barometer seems to have stopped falling - it was a slow fall anyway.
The
sky is generally brighter and the clouds have a little shape to them. The sun is clouded but every here and there
are patches of blue.
Still, these conditions are not to be liked.
6th
July. 0001 hrs.GMT.
Log 8711. Off Course 5.2
Starboard.
Windspeed
App. 40+ knots. App. wind Dir. 90° Barometer 1021.
All
sails are down.
We
are lying ahull.
Once
the wind had reached 45 knots I thought I should end this nonsense until the
wind drops to a reasonable degree. There
was always the hope while it was light that I could attend to the mast. But not as it neared darkness. Hopefully the mast will still be there in the
morning.
All
hope must now be gone for a 38 day trip and now it will be a struggle to make
42. To-day was entirely wasted; virtually no mileage gained and now we will
be drifting North East but it is the most constructive thing to do.
0020. It is gusting 55 knots now. How charming!!!
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 8715. Waterspeed 2½ knots. Off Course 5.2
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 7 knots. App.Wind Dir. 90°Starboard
tack. Barometer 1022.
No.3
Jib. Mainsail.
Awoke
around 0430 to find wind dropped so have set full mainsail and storm jib.
It
was the easiest thing to do at night.
I think in any case we must be between a warm and cold front. The change is too sudden to be believed yet.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 8726. Waterspeed 3¾ knots. Off Course 5 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 8 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App. Wind Dir. 90
starboard tack. Barometer 1022.
Mainsail. No.3 Jib.
Everything
is prepared so now it is light I am going out to sort the mast out if I can.
It
is grey outside and quite cold - the first time I've felt cold on the trip,
even in the bad weather early on. It
might be a reaction from yesterday evening.
It got to be beautiful as well as frightening.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8738. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 1.5 (zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 280°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 23 knots.
Windspeed
True 27 knots. App. Wind Dir.
170°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1022.
No.3
Jib. Dead reckoning position 37°14'North.
56°58’West.
I've
put the extra rope on the mast. There is
not enough tension yet but whilst doing the job the wind sprang up again. We are running now.
Whilst doing the above, and this really caused me to stop rigging, I saw a merchant vessel on the horizon. She turned out to be a tanker "Ireni" something or other of Monsovia. The Captain was very helpful. Gave the above approximate position (he said approximate) and agreed to send the usual telegram.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8767. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 0.4 Starboard.
Course
Set 280°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag. Windspeed App. 14 knots.
Windspeed
True 17 knots. App. Wind Dir.
150°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1025
rising.
Mainsail
reefed 1. No.1 Jib.
The
afternoon has turned out to be very lovely.
The sea has been brisk and we have put some useful mileage in.
I have just had a glance at my ensign whilst writing this. During the course of yesterday evening the fly has almost been destroyed. It was too high to lower. Even the Union Flag is only ¾ full size.
7th
July. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 8796.
Waterspeed 4½ knots.
Off
Course 2.1 (Zero) Port. Course Set
280°Mag. Course Actual 260°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 14 knots. Windspeed True 14
knots. App.Wind Dir. 90°Starboard tack.
Barometer
1032. rising. Mainsail reefed 1. No.1 Jib.
This
evening has turned out delightful. We
are now on a beam reach.
I guess the depression that caused yesterday's turmoil has now moved on and we are in the western sector of it now. It really did get vicious yesterday evening but it did surprise me how well the boat behaved throughout. When the reefed main was up we quietly jogged along climbing mountains as we did so, and lying ahull was no problem whatsoever.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 8825. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 9.5 Port.
Course
Set 280°Mag. Course Actual 265°Mag. Windspeed App. 12 knots.
Windspeed
True 12 knots. App.Wind Dir.
90°Starboard Tack. Barometer 1031.
Mainsail
reefed 1. No.1 Jib.
As
far as I am concerned it is a quiet night and I have slept well - will do again
after this. As far as the boat is
concerned she has packed in 29 miles since midnight "untouched by human
hand". The wind would appear to be
backing but I will not adjust for this before daylight as it means going on
foredeck and can easily be left till then.
Course
Set 280°Mag. Course Actual 255°Mag. Windspeed App. 8 knots.
App.
Wind Dir. 90°Starboard tack. Barometer
1033 Rising. Mainsail. Drifter.
What
a pleasant, restful night.
The sun is up now - has been for ½ hour. And the day looks as though it will continue the pattern of yesterday evening.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8852. Waterspeed 5¼ knots. Off Course 17 (Zero) Port.
Course
Set 280°Mag. Course Actual 290°Mag. Windspeed App. 11 knots.
Windspeed
True 11 knots. App.Wind Dir. 90°. Barometer 1034 Rising.
Mainsail.
Drifter. Dead Reckoning Position 38 37’North. 59 08'West.
Course
changed 285°Mag.
That
was a nice 24 hours sailing and the sky suggests that this fine weather will
continue all afternoon at least.
I think that we deserve that, it should be bearing in mind the abominable weather of the previous two days.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8680. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 4.8 Port.
Course
Set 285°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 7 knots. App. Wind Dir.
75°Starboard tack. Barometer 1036
Rising.
Mainsail. Drifter.
Oh
yes. This is delightful. I don't think the boat has dropped to less
than 4 knots all day yet the wind has not exceeded 12 knots and rarely more
than 8 and yet in the last 12 hours we have averaged over 4½ knots.
This is with a North wind that the charts show rarely blows here in July.
8th
July. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 8907.
Waterspeed 5 knots.
Off
Course 6.5 (Zero) Port. Course Set
285°Mag. Course Actual 290°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 10 knots. Windspeed True 10
knots. App. Wind Dir. 90°Starboard tack.
Barometer
1037 rising. Mainsail. Drifter.
Position 36°00'North. 60°18'West.
I
have just been speaking on R.T. to the Captain of the goodship "Anita
Kares".
He
gave the above position and promised to send the telegram to Lloyds.
We
have been very lucky with ships recently.
I spotted her on the horizon about half an hour before she got fairly
close. To my surprise she stopped
completely to wait for me to draw near then went hard to port to pass under my
stern.
I
telephoned them and he asked if I was O.K. and did I need any help or supplies
(in just the same way as did the ship yesterday).
How
very, very different to the attitude we get from the docks people in Swansea
Bay to whom we are nothing, but a bloody nuisance.
This
Captain delayed his ship on the high seas for at least half an hour in total
just to be in a position to offer help should it be needed.
New
Course 290°Mag.
We are rather more South than I thought we were, 20 miles in fact; and we are further West by 7 miles. This might mean that the Gulf stream is a little further North this year than the average. This is always possible. It meanders North or South of the Mean position.
0600
hrs,GMT. Log 8926. Waterspeed ¾ knots. Off Course 3.4 (Zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 285-3l0 Mag. Course Actual
330°Mag. Windspeed App. 2 knots.
Windspeed
True 2 knots. App. Wind Dir. 140°?
Starboard tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail. Genoa Drifter.
The
wind has fallen right away and is variable in direction.
What
a shame! It has been so good this last
36 hrs.
I've
had to put the Off Course Compass onto a false figure for a while to see what
transpires.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 8931. Off Course 0.59 Starboard. Course Set 320°Mag.
Course
Actual 330°Mag. Windspeed App 1
knot. Windspeed True 1 knot.
App.
Wind Dir. 150°Starboard tack. Mainsail
lowered. Drifter.
Dead
Reckoning position 36°00'North. 60°47'West.
The
Sun rose at precisely 0900 to look at a flat calm sea with just the left over
swell from yesterday's wind. Perhaps his
heat will liven things up.
I've taken the main right down as it was just making itself a nuisance.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 8931. Course Set W.
Barometer 1038.
Mainsail
lowered. Drifter. Dead Reckoning Position 36°00'North.
60°50’West.
For
the last 3 hours we have logged NO miles.
During the 3 hours prior to that we logged 3 n.miles. Now in this area we should expect 2% calms.
Three
days ago we had Force 10 winds in an area that one expects to have 1%
of
winds over Force 7.
This easy route seems to be jinxed.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 8942. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 0.63 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 300°Mag. Windspeed App. 6 knots.
App.
Wind Dir. 90°Port Tack. Barometer
1038. Mainsail. Full. Drifter.
Around
1400 hrs. a mere trace of wind shewed itself. At least it was enough to know
from which direction it came. Till now
we are moving well. For the last hour
we've made 3½ n.miles.
It
is extremely hot. A
Whilst no dolphins have been around for the last couple of days there have been a lot of flying fish. I am really amazed how far they fly. I saw one cover 50 yards.
9th
July. 0001 hrs.GMT.
Log 8965. Waterspeed 4½ knots.
Off
Course 1.6 Starboard. Course Set
290°Mag. Course Actual 290°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 6 knots. Windspeed True 5
knots. App.Wind Dir. 70°Port Tack.
Barometer
1038. Mainsail. Drifter.
After
the dreadul morning - flat calms are horrible things, you run round trying
different combinations of sails to no avail - the afternoon has turned out
quite acceptable. Despite low speed wind
we have kept up a not too bad speed.
I
never cease to be amazed how well she goes in light airs. So that with an indicated wind speed that has
rarely exceeded 7 knots we have beam reached at an average of 4½ knots for the
last 10 hrs.
We have again reached that happy moment when we turn to the other side.of a folded chart. This chart has covered the second half of the voyage (or rather less) and now, having turned over, I have two days sailing - if they're good days - before turning the corner to cross the Gulf Stream then straight into Newport. The plan is to make the turn on the 65° of longitude at about 36°North. Depending on the wind direction that's what we do.
0215
hrs.GMT. Log 8972. Waterspeed 3¾ knots. Off Course 0.3 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 285°Mag. Windspeed App. 5 knots.
Windspeed
True 4 knots. App.Wind Dir. 70°Port
Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail. Drifter.
Once
you get a set climatic condition here it goes on and on. Ignoring the ghastly morning the whole
afternoon has been as is now. A light
consistent wind, flat seas, and the air is so pure and mild. It's unbelievably sweet and mind.
* I have only now discovered the Composer Warlock. In a rush I put on tape some new discs among which is the "Capriol Suite". This is music that is written for conditions as to-nights.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 8989. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 3.1
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 270°Mag. Windspeed. 7 knots.
Windspeed
True 7 knots. App. Wind Dir. 75°Port
Tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail. Drifter.
Beautiful
night's sailing.
It
is still night here, of course.
Dawn will not be till about 0800 GMT.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 9000. Waterspeed 4 knots. Off Course 2.5 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 295°Mag. Windspeed App. 8 knots.
Windspeed
True 7 knots. App.Wind Dir. 55°Port
Tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail. Drifter.
Having gone closer to the wind, I shall now take down the Arun Drifter and put up the No.1 Genoa. The Drifter is now being pushed out of shape.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 9014. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Off Course 0.39 (zero) Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 280°Mag. Windspeed App. 10 knots.
Windspeed
True 9 knots. App.Wind Dir. 60°Port
Tack. Barometer 1037.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 36°05'North. 62°30'West.
1630
hrs.GMT. Log 9037. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 2.16 Port.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 310°Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 19 knots. App. Wind Dir. 45°Port
Tack. Barometer 1038.
Sextant
Position 36°12'North. 63°20'West.
with Log at 9037.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
Within
90 minutes we will be altering Course North West to Newport!
I
have decided to go early as it is now obvious we are already being indirectly
affected by the Gulf Stream and if I make the break early there is still the
remotest chance of getting into Newport in the 38th day.
Now that we are being affected by the Gulf Stream there is no point in hanging on and there may be just a little to be gained by the almost ficticious South East Current.
1745
hrs.GMT. Log 9043. Waterspeed 5 knots. Off Course 0.61 Starboard.
Course
Set 290°Mag. Course Actual 305°Mag. Windspeed App. 16 knots.
Windspeed
True 14 knots. App.Wind Dir. 45°. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
I am going up now to shake out reefs and alter course to 325°.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 9045. Waterspeed 5¾ knots. Off Course Zero.
Course
Set 325°Mag. Course Actual 325°Mag. Windspeed App. 16 knots.
Windspeed
True 16 knots. App. Wind Dir. 90 Port
Tack. Barometer 1038.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Dead Reckoning Position 36°13'North. 63°32'West.
On
Course now for Newport. I have set the
direct course to Newport knowing that the Gulf Stream will set me
Eastwards. I am doing this on the
grounds that I will be in the Stream for a shorter time and that some advantage
may be gained by the South West Current.
Also on the grounds that the speed and position of the Gulf Stream is
not a known fact as it meanders from one month to the next.
* If I feel I am being set Eastwards by an unacceptable extent I really can change "courses" midstream.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 9061. Waterspeed 5½ knots. Off Course 0.28 Port.
Course
Set 325°Mag. Course Actual 325 Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 17 knots. App.Wind Dir. 90° Barometer 1036 Falling.
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
We've
been going like a rocket ever since changing course. Just on that borderline of reducing sail - we
would have to if we were beating.
Some of the figures above look too good to be true. They are! In fact the boat is "hunting" considerably (weaving in her tracks). The self steering always has difficulty on this point of sailing as any change in speed upsets the balance of the rig/rudder and reacts on the self steering.
10th
July. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 9079.
Waterspeed 5¾ knots.
Off
Course 2.4 Starboard. Course Set
325°Mag. Course Actual 330°Mag
Windspeed
App. 15 knots. Windspeed True 15
knots. App.Wind Dir. 90°Port Tack.
Barometer
1036. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
So
far, so good.
We
are now on the nominal "edge" of the Gulf Stream.
It has been a little hectic so far in that the wind strength has varied just enough to baffle the self-steering. I have put on a larger vane and hope that may help.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 9113. Waterspeed 5¾ knots. Off Course 5.8 Starboard.
Course
Set 325°Mag. Course Actual 340°Mag. Windspeed App. 18 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App.Wind Dir. 105°Port
Tack. Barometer 1035 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
I've
had to reduce some of the Mainsail and that has greatly assisted the self-
steering.
Well, we're in the Gulf Stream now. One can tell by the warmth of the water. Not that it was cold further South - far from it. And sitting in the cockpit is nicely warm especially remembering it is 2¼ hrs. before dawn.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 9130. Waterspeed 5¾ knots. Off Course 12 starboard.
Course
Set 325°Mag. Course Actual 330°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 20 knots. App.Wind Dir. 90°Port
Tack. Barometer 1034 falling.
Mainsail
reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
The wind is rising and gusting rather. Considerable angry cloud - Barometer is dropping but slowly. Might not be too good in a few hours’ time.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 9147. Waterspeed 6 knots. Off Course 12 starboard.
Course
Set 325°Mag. Course Actual 310°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 20 knots. App.Wind Dir. 90°Port
Tack. Barometer 1033 falling.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib. Dead Reckoning Position 37°11North.
65°00'West.
The
race is now 5 weeks old and the wind and sea look as though they'll be up to
gale quite soon. The wind has been 30
knots in the gusts.
Itwill
be interesting to get a comparison with the Northern route.
I
don't suppose it will have been worse, just shorter and colder.
It hasn't been cold at all, just windy.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 9180. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Off Course 15 (zero) starboard.
Course
Set 325°Mag. Course Actual 330°Mag. Windspeed App. 22 knots.
Windspeed
True 22 knots. App. Wind Dir. 60°Port
Tack. Barometer 1031 falling.
Mainsail
down. No.1 Jib.
Yes,
the wind went up to 35 knots in the gusts and for around 2 hours till about
1830 it was always around the 30 knot mark.
It is gusting to 30 knots even now.
In the end the only way I found to keep an acceptable course was to take the main down completely and reach with the No.1 Jib; even with that we were doing 7 knots at times.
11th
July. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 9208.
Waterspeed 5 knots.
Off
Course 2.8 starboard. Course Set
325°Mag. Course Actual 330°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 16 knots. Windspeed Ytur 14
knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°Port Tack.
Barometer
1029 falling. Mainsail Full. No.1 Genoa.
1830
hrs. Wind steady 30 knots.
It stayed at about Force 7 for an hour longer then gradually went down so that by 2300 hrs. I decided to put the No.1 Genoa up, this has just been followed by the full main (The main had already been hoisted to 2 reefs around 2200 hrs.)
0530
hrs. Log 9233. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Off Course 1.2 Port.
Course
Set 325°Mag. Course Actual 335°Mag. Windspeed App. 20 knots.
Windspeed
True 18 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°Port
Tack. Barometer 1026 falling.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
I've
just replaced the Genoa with the Jib.
The wind was too strong to risk the mast overboard. I shall invent some new words to curse myself
with on my stupidity over renewing those shrouds. The mainsail was reefed at about 0230 hrs.
Shall not write 0600 log.
0900
hrs.GMT. Log 9251. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Off Course 0.04
Course
Set 325°Mag. Course Actual 345°Mag. Windspeed App. 23 knots.
Windspeed
True 21 knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°Port
Tack. Barometer 1025 falling.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Off
Course meter has obviously been a more positive number but at the moment
cancelling itself out. In fact when
written above it was 0.04 Port now it is 0.04 Starboard.
Heavy drizzle is affecting visibility but at the present time the sea is still fairly flat.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 9263. Waterspeed 2 knots. Off Course 4.4 (zero) Starboard
Course
Set 325°Mag. Course Actual 350°Mag. Windspeed App. 17 knots.
Windspeed
True 15 knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°Port
Tack. Barometer 1025.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Genoa. Dead Reckoning Position 39°05’North.
65°45'West.
Genoa
up.
Have
been tacking Port/Starboard/Port etc. this last couple of hours as the wind
direction is going to throw everything out if we are not careful. The prevailing winds are so regularly S.W.
that all calculations were based on it.
At the moment and for the last day these have been N.W. Bang on the nose. In nearly the fastest part of the Gulf
Stream.
I consider the above D.R. most unreliable.
0230
hrs.GMT. Log 9331. Waterspeed 3 knots. Off Course 0.71
Course
Set 325°Mag. Course Actual 325°Mag. Windspeed App. 8 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App.Wind Dir. 90°Port
Tack. Barometer 1015 falling.
Mainsail
down. No.1 Jib.
Whatever
happened, to to-day - or was it yesterday! ,
I've
been working like a slave since the last entry at noon except for food etc.
half an hour ago.
In
brief. At 1500 hrs. the wind gradually
went round to the South West (W.S.W. actually) and we started to move in the
right direction at last. Soon the wind
increased to 20 knots at which point I stopped reefing the mainsail and furled
it completely as I have found that she self steers much better in that wind
strength/ wind direction combination.
I
managed to get some sun sights but they are so different from D R (not that
that is much good to-day) that I do not know what to do with them. Actually I have stuck them on the chart. So we might almost say (almost! it's a fact -
not almost) we are lost. Never mind, the
R D F should become useful soon and the land is surrounded by beacons so I have
no fear of trouble there. It so happens
that both the useless D.R. and the equally useless Sextant sight fall almost in
transit with Nantucket Light Vessel though it is not fully in range yet. I can in fact get some morse and the right
sort of noises but not clear enough to make proper use of. Surprisingly the Nantucket L.V. is only 100
mile range.
Next
thing is that just after Sextant Sights a single freak wave popped up and
plopped down into the open forehatch soaking even the main cabin.
Whilst
drying that out the wind strengthened so I had to leave the job half finished
to change down from No.1 Genoa to No.1 Jib.
By now the wind had risen quite quickly to 30 knots (Force 7) and as the
sea got very lumpy I decided to hand steer.
That kept me busy till 0130 to-day by which time it went up to 35 knots
gusting 40, coming in on the beam and keeping us at 6-7 knots for a long – long
time. We appear to have put in 68
n.miles in the afternoon/evening.
The wind is now light again but the flat sea has a hefty left-over swell. We are travelling too slowly now so it is "up Genny" and get on with it again. I fear, though, that this is a lull between the storm and that it will rise again.
12th
July. 0600 hrs.GMT. Log 3341.
Waterspeed 4 knots.
Off
Course N/O. Course Actual 315°Mag. Windspeed App. 8 knots.
Windspeed
True 8 knots. App.wind Dir. 90°Port
Tack. Barometer 1012
Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
The
off-course indicator has stopped working properly anyway, so I have switched it
off. It is a pity as it is very useful
indeed.
It is difficult to get the boat going because of the sea left over from last night. She gets going then stops with all the wind knocked out of the sails - often taken aback.
1100
hrs.GMT. Log 9364. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Course Actual 315° Mag.
Windspeed
App. 10 knots. Windspeed True 10
knots. App.Wind Dir. 90°Port tack.
Barometer
1007 falling Mainsail down. No.1 Genoa.
I think something odd is happening with the weather. The rate at which the barometer is dropping is considerable but even more is the nature of the sky. I am quite sure we are out of the Gulf Stream as the water is indeed colder. Also the colour must be green, as I thought yesterday evening but the sky could be giving a strange reflection.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 9369. Waterspeed 1¾ knots. Course Actual 120° Mag.
Windspeed
App. 7 knots. App. Wind Dir. 90°Port
Tack. Barometer 1005 falling.
Mainsail
down. No.1 Genoa.
We
keep getting short sharp spells of torrential rain, big drops of water - then
stop. With this latitude we have just
got to be clear of the Gulf Stream.
The self steering is giving me fun and games. I must lubricate it. It could just be salt making it stick.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 9389. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Course Actual 255°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 14 knots. Windspeed True 12
knots. App. Wind Dir. 40
Barometer
1003. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
Ignoring
the various - multivarious - happenings that have happened on this voyage it
was to-day that I had real fear. Not
panic fear, but, dare I say, a calculating fear. Never before have I been in a tropical type
thunderstorm in a yacht before.
To-day, however, soon after noon there was a
flash of lightning, apparently inside the boat. In fact it must have been a close thing not a
hit. I had been dressing to go out so
quickly I finished off to see what was happening. It had been belting down for 15 minutes already
but outside the sea had been flattened by the rain. Visibility was down to about 15 yards except
for the lightning: a crack came down
into the sea only a hundred yards away and another about ¼ mile 5 minutes
later; but with other flashes of fork lightning
almost constantly. There was nothing I
could do so I sailed on hoping to get away from the area before one did get the
mast.
It was just a case of waiting for one to hit or not to hit as the case may be. Gradually we moved away from each other. I hope never to have a repeat of that. I am one of those people who have no fear of lightning. This was exceptional.
1930
hrs.GMT. Log 9395. Waterspeed 4 knots. Course Actual 260°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 18 knots. Windspeed True 16
knots. App. Wind Dir. 40°Port tack.
Barometer
1003. Mainsail reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
Well,
I know what was really wrong with the steering.
The self steering rudder must have been loose. It has now broken right off.
Thank goodness we are fairly close to Newport, two good days should do it and while we are beating to windward I should be able to balance her out and lock the tiller with the special lashing.
2130
hrs.GMT. Log 9402. Waterspeed 4 knots. Course Actual 300°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 22 knots. Windspeed True 20
knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°Port tack.
Mainsail
Reefed 3. No.1 Jib.
What
a wonderful sight; just on the horizon
is one of the Tall Ships that were here for the Tall Ships Bermuda/Newport
Race, Bicentenary Sail Past in New York and Boston. I think it is the Gorch Fock. - A big
beautiful white painted craft.
It must have come down from Boston. (Around midday I'd have thought it the Flying Dutchman come to collect me!)
13th
July. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 9411.
Waterspeed 3½ knots. Course
Actual 300°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 20 knots. Windspeed True 18
knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°Port Tack.
Mainsail
reefed 3. No.1 Jib.
She
steers just as well with the lashing as with the self steering; in these conditions and point of sailing
anyway.
Thank goodness it has happened three days from the finish and not three days from the start.
0330
hrs.GMT. Log 9420. Waterspeed 4 knots. Course Actual 230°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 11 knots. Windspeed True 9
knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°Starboard tack.
Barometer
1002. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
The
wind is very variable. Have had to
change tacks South West again. The wind
veered to North West.
Equally
the wind strength is changing continuously;
much more so than this log indicates.
R.D.F. has been just about useless.
0345. Log 9421.
Seen Light Vessel. Will sail straight to her and make run-in again.
0600
hrs.GMT. Log 9431. Waterspeed 4 knots. Course Actual 200°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 18 knots. Windspeed True 16
knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°Starboard tack.
Barometer
1002. Mainsail Reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
In
another half hour we'll be in line (east-west) with the Light Vessel again.
There she sits in all her glory leading us the way. But what use is a light vessel with the kind of visibility they have here and the electrical storms make Radio Direction Finding impossible. Once past the Light Vessel and we really will be on the last lap. Again.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 9456. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Course Actual 250°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 17 knots. Windspeed True 15
knots. App.Wind Dir. 45°Starboard tack.
Barometer
1005 Rising. Mainsail reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
Dead
Reckoning Position 40°37'North. 69°48’West.
1515
hrs.GMT. Log 9470. Waterspeed 4¼ knots. Course Actual 170°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 17 knots. Windspeed True 15
knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°Port Tack.
Barometer
1007 Rising. Mainsail reefed 2. No.1 Genoa.
Just
passed a fleet of 9 fishing boats at work by the buoy marking the Southern end
of Davis South Shoal. Didn't call
"land ahoy” because it was not really land. As the crow flies we are 75 n.miles from
Newport.
Saw a warship earlier on too.
1800
hrs.GMT. Log 9484. Waterspeed 4 knots. Course Actual 335°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 18 knots. Windspeed True 16
knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°Starboard Tack.
Barometer
1008 Rising. Mainsail Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
2100
hrs. GMT. Log 9498. Waterspeed 3½ knots. Course Actual 250°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 21 knots. Windspeed True 19
knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°Port Tack.
Barometer
1008 Rising. Mainsail Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
14th
July. 0001 hrs.GMT. Log 9510.
Waterspeed 4½ knots.
Course
Actual 350°Mag. Windspeed App.18-24
knots. Windspeed True 16+ knots.
App.
Wind Dir. 40°Starboard tack. Barometer
1009 Rising.
Mainsail
Reefed 2. No.1 Jib.
Pleasant evening but a surprisingly heavy sea. This must be the last night of the race for me. Whether it will be before Noon GMT. is the question. Unlike yesterday the visibility has been excellent and the electric storm was an experience of a lifetime. But for the events of yesterday we would have been finished by now.
0730
hrs.GMT. Log 9541. Waterspeed 4¾ knots. Course Actual 75°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 16 knots. App.Wind Dir.
35°Starboard Tack. Barometer 101
Mainsail
reefed 1. No.1 Jib.
About to change tacks. Course Actual then becomes approx. 350°.
0915
hrs.GMT. Log 9548. Waterspeed 3¾ knots. Course Actual 345°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 13 knots. Windspeed True 11
knots. App.Wind Dir. 35 Port Tack.
Barometer
1011 Rising. Mainsail Reefed 1. No.1 Jib.
Dead
Reckoning Position 41°06'North. 70°56'West.
MADE
LANDFALL.
Westernmost
point of Martha's Vineyard, Gay Head.
Alternate Flashing light WWWR.
1200
hrs.GMT. Log 9560. Waterspeed 4½ knots. Course Actual 350°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 14 knots. Windspeed True 12
knots. App. Wind Dir. 35°Port Tack.
Barometer
1013 Rising. Mainsail Reefed 1. No.1 Genoa.
Dead
Reckoning Position 41°20'North. 71°10' West.
In
sight of Newport, albeit at a distance.
The visibility is very good.
But I am past my target time of 38 days. It is sad because I am sure that but for the shrouds I could have saved some 4 days from the present.
1500
hrs.GMT. Log 9571. Waterspeed 3 knots. Course Actual 270°Mag.
Windspeed
App. 7 knots. Windspeed True 5
knots. App.Wind Dir. 35°Starboard tack.
Barometer
1014. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
The
wind is dropping and all steering by hand.
Close to Eastern side of peninsular with Newport on both sides of the Peninsular.
1745
hrs.GMT. Log 9581. Waterspeed 3 knots. Windspeed App. 6 knots.
App.
Wind Dir. 35°Port Tack. Barometer
1014. Mainsail. No.1 Genoa.
About.10 minutes to finish. Tried to contact Goat Island. No joy.
1830
hrs.GMT. Log 9582. Waterspeed 4 knots.
FINISHED RACE.
At
1802 GMT. I passed through the
finishing line and am making my way up to Newport. It is hardly a bay - far more like a river.
Plenty of yachts around but no competitors.
2100
hrs.GMT. Log 9588.
Waterspeed NIL.
Position: GOAT ISLAND, NEWPORT, R.I.
Land
on Goat Island Marina at 2030. Met by
Captain Shaw and his wife.
Small but friendly reception party including people from Marina and Customs man! Customs formalities over in very few minutes. Borrowed a dime and phoned Georgie. Wonderful to speak to her again. She'll be flying out on Friday to arrive here about 6, local time. More on that later, as they have a reception planned for all this week's arrivals that takes place this evening at 5.30 pm. local time.
They want me to go just as I am but I must have an instant spruce up, but no time for a shower.
15th
July.
1200 Local.
A
day for taking it easy. The weather is
very pleasantly warm and I feel most relaxed.
After an excellent evening I went to my berth at about midnight. and
awoke at 0900 local time. I've pottered
around a little tidying the boat up. A
couple of other boats have now come in since I arrived and now I will go off to
have my first proper land based meal for more than a month.
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