We are once more becalmed. This time, it was utterly not forecast on the grib files. Our arrival is now looking more like the 27th or even 28th. We even threw the kids overboard for a swim with instructions for them to push the boat along, but that didn't work. Actually, they did swim, but in life jackets and tethered to the boat by the redundant genoa sheet.
It is properly hot here now, and muggily overcast. The sea is as warm as the air and the bilges are steamy. The last of our perishable goods are perishing - we finished off the wrinkly apples last night baked with Christmas mincemeat and syrup, the onions are sprouting, the potatoes and oozing and the cheese is going green. Nevertheless, Dave and I are in battle against the galley to try to use the on board stores the most imaginatively. Dave filled every surface in the galley today with home made pizza bases - actually Dave on his own pretty much fills the galley. The pizzas were delicious. We're also working through the last of the frozen bread in anticipation of filling the freezer witha freshly caught tuna (in our dreams) so expect a flurry of bread recipes - it's apricot and dark chocolate bread and butter pudding tonight.
Every extra day at sea is one less day's partying in Barbados available to us. The organisation emailed yesterday to encourage us to arrive sooner as they have lots of rum waiting to be drunk. They also reminded us that Ollie had somewhat rashly succumbed to the guiles of a young French lady and had agreed to arrive in a dress and wig. He is frantically sewing a Gucci masterpiece ready for our welcome.
Please send more wind!
sprouts produce much wind - try to get children to eat some - noticed earlier u were only doing 2 knts - but picked up later.M must have loved the pizza -his favourite.Can we hope for photo of Ollie resplendent in his Gucci. much love mum xx
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteGlad things are still going well(ish!) for you all. Love the blogs! I mentioned to you the colleague of mine who rowed across - it was about this point that a swordfish tried to capture their boat - it put its sword through the hull! This required some quick work involving swimming under the hull and putting sealant round the sword - it was still there when hey reached Barbados! Hopefully you won't have such excitement.
Pete (CGC)
Where did that hole in the wind come from? The forecast looked as if it would pass you to the north so to get caught was bad luck. According to the Tracker you're back up to 6kn now so hopefully you've reeled the kinder back in and are enjoying a sail. Any chance you could make up 4hrs? That would put you ahead of Valteam. Just a thought
ReplyDeleteThe only constant seas and wind I know are on canvas in my dining room! Wind does now appear to have picked up again. many people are showing interest in your adventure. Love Hxxxxxx
ReplyDeletePlenty of wind here - mainly in the dog! Wish we could send it to you. Thanks for Christmas cards which arrived today. Angus most impressed both with artwork on cards and the fact that we can receive mail from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean! We went for Santa photo today with Angus wearing a crown for reasons best known to himself. He is anxious as to whether Santa will find you at sea. I said that if the tooth fairy can find them in Lisbon, I'm sure Santa is equal to the challenge! Fingers crossed for better winds. Love Janie xxxx
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