The solo around the world yacht race and other sailing related items.
2,700 to go, 36 days at sea
Skipper's Log #34
19 20S 29 05W at 20:00 GMT
I am in good wind still, making almost a direct course for Cape Town. Soon I will have to turn South again or else I run the risk of getting stuck in the high. The first three boats are in Cape Town and I have 2,700 miles to go. Last time I had nearly 4,000 miles to go. I have made better time this time. Minuro is 200 miles behind me, holding steady and Victor is 230 miles astern of me. Some days Victor gains on me, other days I pull away. I cannot afford to be becalmed. The boats ahead, I am losing a few miles to each day. They have the water line length that I don't. I have to watch my weather systems closely, and listen to my built in barometer. I wish I had an electronic barometer aboard. It would be a big help right now, and on the next three legs. Tomorrow I should see land again, or at least pass close to some islands. They are about 150 miles from me tonight. I had a 169 miles in the last 24 hours. It has been getting better and better each day. The wind is freer so I am on a more comfortable point of sail. The evenings are cool. I need to wear a top at night. The top I am wearing at present smells. My blanket is dirty. Oh, what would I give for a hot fresh shower and clean linen and clothes. But, I can tolerate this for another three weeks or so.
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Skipper's Log #35
21 37S 27 14W at 19:45GMT
The sky has been grey and overcast. The wind was fresh out of the NE about 23 knots apparent. With a staysail and full main, I fetch across the seas, every now and again scooping a wave or two over the side into the cockpit. Water in the cockpit is a deterrent to me. The windvane is steering, we are doing seven knots, my course is desirable, so why sit up there and get wet. There will be plenty of time to get wet. Halloween went off well last night. Nobody played any dirty tricks on me. I had the treats out, but then, nobody came knocking on my hull. I remember two years ago Gwen had her first Halloween in America. We spent the evening in Charleston with the Starr Family. It was great being a kid again, not that I have grown up. My toy boat just got bigger, and will get bigger again. I am expecting some rough weather in the next few days. After not having run the engine for a week, I finally turned it on to top up the batteries. The Ampair wind generator has done a good job with the charging. Total on this voyage I have run the engine less than 30 hours charging. That means that I have a three quarter tank of fuel. (about 28 gallons left). Without any books, I have been passing my time today listening to music. I don't listen to my CD player every day as I don't want to get bored with my CD's. Tomorrow I will listen to half a book on tape. Each day I try to spend 4 hours writing. So far I have only seen a few birds. I thought I would see more passing 30 miles east of Isla Trinada this morning, 10 hours ahead of my predicted time. In 36 days, only two schools of dolphins have come to play, and I have seen nor heard no whales. Maybe this week when I start to make the turn for Cape Town.
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Skippers log #36
23 37S 25 14W at 19:30 GMT
Conditions have been rough and are deteriorating. I have a staysail set and a reef in the mainsail. The winds are over 20 knots and there are gale warnings for tomorrow. We are trying to go more to the East now, as the further south, the worse the weather. I have cooked a big pot of pasta, pineapple, corn and tuna fish concoction, with mayonnaise stirred in. I have eaten early to build strength for what might come tonight. The seas are confused as the wind is switching around to the north. We are bouncing, but I have my desired course for the gale, so the seas will increase, but become more comfortable. Today I felt squirmish. I did not risk shaving, nor brushing my teeth till much later in the day. Each day I take vitamins and Super blue green algae tablets. Today I was not able to face swollowing them. This is the second time on the leg this has happened. I do not want to push things as putting my head in the bucket is not fun. I have been listening to my books on tape and wish that I had more of them, and more batteries for my walkman. I have already begun my turn more towards Cape Town. It is earlier than planned and I will probably have to go south again later to avoid head winds on the final approach to the cape later this month. The excitement is already building, and I can't get there soon enough. One of the things I am looking forward to is placing time and focus on sponsorship fullfilment again. Maintaining my sponsorship relationships are so key to being out here and the progress of the No Barriers Education Foundation. With out sponsors and key individual support, we would not be able to do the work we do. Thank you.