Position: 14,18.1N , 21,4.41W Speed: 7 knots, Course: 310 deg. UTC Time: 03. August 2006 08:47 Pointing high towards the Canaries just east of the Cape Verde Islands heading for Madeira. Still not north of them yet. Sea rough, cloudy, rain and wet. 2 reefs in Main and Genoa. Once past Cape Verdes may bare away to make easier sailing and tack back over later on a reach. Makes it longer but easier on us and the boat.
I just checked my emails at the one and only Cable and Wireless internet bureau so a big thank you for all the messages from you. I am so surprised that anyone is reading this blog it was great to see the messages. I might put a bit more effort into the blog now I know your reading it. One of the reasons I like sailing is to do with the fact that using just the wind and a bit of knowledge you can transport oneself across a vast ocean, something that mankind has been doing from year dot. Of course you are at the mercy of the wind and nature but that's the whole idea. And we did it. 2000 miles from Cape Town to St Helena in 12 days. Using just the wind. I think that's pretty cool. Only another 4500 to go! We have been enjoying our little rest here on this remote island. Given us a chance to recharge the batteries, fix a few parts, buy more supplies and enjoy sitting on chairs, eating of off china plates and having showers. As well as having the opportunity to talk to other people...
Position: 8,17.13S , 10,24.69W Speed: 3 knots, Course: 256 deg. UTC Time: 25. July 2006 14:59 logged distance 2685 since CT Not going very fast since we have come up with another proplem. The auto pilot mounts were working loose. Add that to the electrics smartbox which is not charging one set of batteries, the rip in the genoa, the lost Solent sail, the bob stay that has worked itself loose leaving the bow sprit bouncing up and down, two of the jammers that are not holding the ropes and it all adds up to a bit of a mess. Plus the fact that when the spinaker is up the pilot can't handle it when the boat comes down the face of a wave. So we have been sailing with a main and a storm jib! Either the boat is badly designed or something is not right here. Life is about solutions. Very hot though under the tropical sun. Surely I can get off now. Someone else want a shot?
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