The signs that we are approaching landfall are increasing. With 400nm to run, we passed 15 miles south of the remote yellow ODAS buoy off Researcher Ridge. With 300nm to run, we were joined by a Magnificent Frigatebird which circled the boat. Shortly afterward, we passed close to a lost fishing buoy with a length of rope attached. Underneath was sheltering a very lost large grouper. These are reef fish, normally not found deeper than 30m where they loiter just off the bottom or under ledges. This one was in 4km of ocean water, drifting with just the float as a liferaft. With 200nm to run, we saw a Brown Booby that fished off our stern for some time, feasting on our ever present companions, the flying fish.
We also met another yacht bound for Barbados. Despite our lack of spinnaker, we overhauled "Bluebird" in light airs yesterday afternoon and hope to catch up with her at our destination. Despite only 11 days at sea after leaving Cape Verde, tehy asked if we had any spare cigarettes aboard. Alas, we are all non-smokers.
We are down to the last of our supplies. The only perishables that remain are two tubs of butter, some cheese and a handful of onions. For supper, we had to raid the tinned goods so had to make do with some olive oil and rosemary crackers served with a rather fine terrine de lievre and fois gras. The children have now rebelled against their Portuguese breakfast cereal and also refused porridge, so I relented and ran up some flapjacks to get them to eat the porridge in disguise. Other than that, we're back in our usual weekday regime, with both children starting the day with maths puzzles and then continuing their crafts from yesterday.
It's so hot that your feet hurt to walk on the decks. We shall dunk the children in the sea again later.
The fabled trade winds have proved a feeble affair. Where the forecast told us we were experiencing a brisk 15-20kt breeze, the actual winds have been far lighter and more fickle. We had hoped to make a steady 6-7kts for this final run but have already reduced to more like 5kt. However, we still reckon to arrive in Barbados tomorrow night, and may well be the last boat home before the line closes at midnight on December 28th. Our thoughts are with the crews still behind us, especially the valiant Marie des Isles. I do hope she arrives before we have to move on.
only 200 to go - I know you will all be relieved to reach land - if only to replenish your food stocks - although you have all dined well - Sarah has done a great job keeping everyone well fed.
ReplyDeleteHad call from Roy and Sue - both send their best wishes.
Sun early today then heavy rain again from 3.00p.m - love mum xxx
You are doing fine. If you just keep going at the present daily average you will arrive at midnight Barbados time tomorrow, 27 Dec, so you have plenty of time before the line shuts. Will you awaken the children if it is the middle of the night when you arrive? Don't forget to fly your Panerai pennant. Lots of love Dad xxxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteHaving to resort to tinned supplies in the last two days is pretty good going. Your menus have been enterprising and inspiring. I wonder how the crews that stocked mainly Mars bars are faring! We are back to blue skies and sunshine here with 33 forecast for tomorrow, so the deluge on Christmas day was just an aberration. All those backpackers on Bondi beach would have been disappointed but no doubt the pubs would have made a killing. Coverage of the Sydney -Hobart is almost non-existent once the race start is over, other than snippets on the news headlines so we have no update on that. Wild Thing was scratched minutes before the start over non-compliance with some documents. Their skipper was not a happy man! We follow your progress with a great deal more ease and interest. Not long now! Love to all, Janie xxx
ReplyDeleteDave is brilliant with tinned supplies, he boasts a fine locker of such delights on his own boat :-)
ReplyDeletePleased to hear you're very close now ... Well done!
Sue
Well done all on CdG!! Not far to go now so keep dreaming about that meal you'll have when you get there........really good effort, and hope the wind holds a bit longer. Look forward to hearing the highs and lows when you get back.
ReplyDeleteWe're in Sydney for Christmas with our daughter, and yesterday watched an exciting start in a fresh breeze to the Sydney-Hobart.....very spectacular!
ATB
Rollo and Anne
Well done all on CdG !! You must be almost there now, and dreaming of that meal ashore....! Hope the wind holds for you, really good effort despite the fickle winds. Look forward to hearing the highs and lows when you get back.
ReplyDeleteWe're in Sydney for Christmas with our daughter, and yesterday watched an exciting start to the Sydney-Hobart in a fresh breeze: very spectacular !
ATB
Rollo and Anne
Well done to you all, so nearly there! Have been following your passage with admiration and feelings of certainty that this is a trip I shall never be making, tho Tim did enjoy it I believe!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your rest in Barbados.
Love Jo and Tim
You are moving positively to conclude a remarkable stage 1. My calculations have you arriving mid to late afternoon tomorrow 28th. I shall check the tracker regularly and keep my morning busy in the garden! I share with you a beautiful moon. Love Hxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteThe ETA is Sydney time!! Think it maybe with the moon in your part of the world. Hx
ReplyDelete