21 days after we left Cascais, the leading boats are finishing. Congratulations to White Dolphin, Red Hackle and Blue Peter. Perhaps we should have included a colour in our name to bring us better speed?
We are at 15N 49W and in the area of the Mid Atlantic Ridge. This is an amazing area of ocean full of hydrothermal vents. Scientists only discovered the astonishing ecosystems that live here in the 1970s by accident whilst undertaking a survey of the ocean floor. This ecosystem exists with no dependence on the light of the sun - instead the primary energy source comes from the vents themselves. It is debated if this could be the real origin of life on earth before organisms developed chlorophyll.
Our "Keep Sunday Special" campaign continues - we're out of eggs for the traditional Sunday fry up breakfast so had to be content with bacon, sausages and baked beans this morning. The crew are currently ensconced in the saloon watching "Avatar" and the ice cream is soon to be served.
All the crew are looking forward to arrival - should still be the 27th if we don't run into any more slow patches. We've had some questions about our choice of route. Cruising advice is "head south until the butter melts and then head west." Well,, we ran south until both the butter and the chocolate melted. Cruising advice is also to head for 20N 30W before going west. We also did this but the pesky cols have been forming progressively further south each time.
We were too slow to make any significant way south to react to the forecasts and each successive forecast would place the slack 100nm from the previous making planning very difficult for a boat that was only doing 100nm per day in the light conditions. In the end, it was quicker to press on a direct course and sit out the col than to divert as far south as Gimcrack and Cipango have. Boats like Valteam and Gwen-Even are just that much faster than us and quicker in light airs so left us standing.
Still, we're now anticipating a good run and are preparing for Christmas at sea. Thank you everyone who has followed our progress and commented - it's been fantastic to receive them all and James was pleased at the volume of birthday well-wishers.
White Dolhin had crew of 7 burly guys - no wonder they romped home. U appear to be making better progress today - must be running lighter after consuming so much food. Tell M we have not forgotten and will record Dr.Who as promised. Miss u guys - love mum xx
ReplyDeleteAccording to the tracker forecast you should have reasonable winds for the next 72 hours (after 1600 GMT 23 Dec). Looks as if you have a 200 nm lead on your chasing group, and allowing for handicap are about 100 nm down on the next boat up, Valteam. Good going - well done. Love to all and I hope that I can remember how to record DVDs for Matthew (I expect I can). Lots of love Dad XXXX
ReplyDeletePS Which report on short haul air lines - Ryanair was worst, Swiss and Turkish were best and Easy Jet was bottom of the middle group for not a very good baggage allowance and a poor boarding experience.
I've been following your excellent blog most days, but might not get a chance to look for a few days, so I hope you all have a Merry Christmas. Your track record suggests that the food should be ok! Tell James it seems a very extreme way to get out of the Christmas day UKPN job.
ReplyDeleteRod
Just had roast chicken and pork, fresh veg, all the trimmings and some lovely cool water - Ha not to mention the rioja,it's pretty windy outside but very festive in here. Surprisingly most of our chat is about mising Dave and Ollie! So much as we gloat we wish we could share it all with you all. Happy Christmas xx
ReplyDeleteOh by the way, Ells and Julie are round with K&T warming up for the Christmas Days with respective families. All your adventures sound fantastic but still a part of us is glad that we only have to read about them! Aren't flying fish edible? xx
ReplyDeletePleased you are again moving with purpose. Indications are hopeful of it continuing. Preparing for European/Danish Christmas Eve with Lucy B and family - 11 of us. 25th to J&T's for lunch and all of us to Allan & Hilary's for evening. Garden and a book beckon for Boxing Day. Wish all 6 of you a very memorable merry Christmas as you anticipate land fall. Much love Hxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteSeems you might need a bigger boat next time!
ReplyDeletePay no attention to us armchair meteorologists/tacticians/navigators - you're best placed to know what to do, and you're doing really well. I can only imagine the reception you're going to get when you cross the line. Only one more sleep till christmas, and reassure the kinder that the big red man finds them wherever they are (now there's a navigator)