03’44.7S 030’30.3W course 212′ speed 6,9kn
After reefing last night and then starting the engine because of a period of less wind last night, we were able to turn off the engine within an hour. Since then, we have been doing between 5 and 7,5 knots, making South South West. Perfect! The weather has been stable, with a few showers around, but consistent wind. In the afternoon we tried to make sense of all the different clouds and cloud altitudes we saw, but came up with that it was just nature and you could not really tell anything from it.. We saw high cirrus clouds, then Altocumulus, possibly some Altostratus, then lower small friendly cumulus. Which can indicate in combination, that there is a low pressure area coming in… but we are in high pressure, or same pressure area without much change in isobars (steady at 1018hps), so that was not correct. But still, it was fun to look at!
We are passing the Fernando de Noronha Islands at a distance of 100 miles. We have enough space to choose a more speedy course now, and are keeping the wind at a close reach. Very comfortable. The swell and seastate are not high at all, so we are fairly stable in the water and life on board is pretty good. Sometimes its better not to leave the water jug on the table without support, but other then that, all feels normal.
During the day the water temperature has gone down to 27,6 degrees, still warm, but already a change away from 29,8! And it seems like we feel that, mostly at night. A small jacket or sweater on top of your shorts is pretty comfortable to keep the small chill in the air out. Downstairs is still pretty warm though.
We caught a fish this morning which we have not been able to identify. It was so small that we threw it back into the ocean. The line is still out though, but our bait is not very popular it seems. We have a Noddy living in our portside board light. It is defending its spot from any intruders, from its own species and from us. Noddies are known to travel on boats, but they are also known to travel on the back of turtles or even pelicans if they can. This pelagic bird is beautiful. Dark grey with white eyeliner and slightly bent bill, stays out at sea most of its life. Their name is derived from their mating ritual where they bow and nod at each other. How polite.
We have also spotted our first Frigate Bird, most likely the Magnificent Frigate Bird, a non pelagic bird, that goes back to land every night before sundown. So most likely this big bird lived on the Fernando de Noronha islands, as it has to fly all the way back every night.
We have sailed just over 2100 miles so far and have 3225 miles or more ahead of us. With 7 knots now, this seems an easy task. We have another 6 days of this and then down wind ahead of us, after that, our weather report shows it will start to get interesting…
All is well on board,
Jet
