Tuesday, July 9
James’ 1400-1500 watch
In the first 15 minutes of the new day, our average speed was 5.5 knots. By 1400, it was down to 5.1 but I’m still glad we reefed when we did.
I don’t know why I keep checking the forecast that is now 7 days old. If it is right, we’re going to be out of the worst of it tomorrow by sundown. Today is going to be an inconsistent worsening, and tomorrow will be intense.
The part I’d like to see turn untrue is the doldrums for the last 100 nautical miles. Where there’s a bit of wind, it’s in the wrong direction. Motoring 100M and arriving with sufficient reserves for the unexpected in Praia would take a long time, even with a ton of very bright sun. We’d go very slow, right when we’d also be coping with increased traffic and islands to not-hit.
If it’s bad enough, we can anchor somewhere quiet. Since the whole problem is lack of wind, it opens up usually-untenable spots, places we would want to be away from before the winds came back. We’ll see about that!
James’ 1800-1900 watch
The wind has backed down from the late-morning high. I feel relieved that the onslaught is delayed. I was really bracing for impact.
Which is weird. I’m going to control outcomes as much as possible whenever I can, but I don’t usually anticipate the future with quite so much investment. I naturally believe that there’s no way to know what’s coming, so prepare for a range of probable events. These moments of having put real energy into a possibility are pretty rare, thankfully. It’s easier to act quickly and decisively when I have an awareness that I might need to but being poised for that action, tight like a swimmer on the starting block, is too much investment.
Dena’s 2100-2400 watch
The moon is back! Makes me want to celebrate. I’ll watch it drop and set, swaying in the companionway or reclining on the downwind side in the cockpit. It won’t look like a party but I’ll have a good time.
Oh, and ship traffic is nowhere near us! It takes a load of stress away when we’re only required to choose our course for getting where we’re going as comfortably as possible, rather than playing ship dodge ball. With the information we get from their AIS, it’s a slow game…but the stakes are death.
Wednesday, July 10
Dena’s 0900-1000 watch
Welp, didn’t save that one.
The morning comes with news of flying fish death and a need to go out of the cockpit to give the poor deceased a respectful burial at sea. It’s important to get that somewhat dangerous and mildly icky task done before the sun dries the fish to the deck, when it becomes apropos to remove the “mildly” from the “icky”.
While I was out there, clipped onto the boat via tether of course, I got a picture and a video. Wind noise is a real problem in these situations.
We’re still sailing strong, averaging 4.9 knots under double-reefed main. The wind isn’t overwhelming but the sea state is busy. James and I have both ended up where we didn’t mean to go in the last few hours, without hitting our heads or otherwise really hurting ourselves, and we’re taking all care in moving from place to place. It’s easier to be careful and clear-headed when I haven’t just woken up.
Noon position: N 18° 36.482’ W 021° 10.889’
Distance noon to noon: 117.0 NM
Average speed: 4.9 kn
Trip distance covered: 737.0 NM
Distance to destination: 263.8 NM
