47’03.4N 011’18.3W course 079′ speed 7,2kn
After reeving during the night, we shook out the reef again during the afternoon watch. Keeping our speed up is our main objective right now. Going down wind, and with a reduced seastate, this afternoon was one of the best sailing days we have had. Cold, beautiful weather, with speeds around 7,5 knots averaging. We left the second jib up, instead of changing that over as well, it seemed to be a little “boisterous” still. Maybe today we will get the chance to change jib again.
On the picture you our two night watches (minus Joel taking the pictur), the 20-00h and 00-04h watch, after reeving the main and changing the jib. The jib is still in the background on the deck, ready to be furled by the dog watch, after cleaning the deck and sending the evening watch to bed. Its hard to see, but our faces are all lit up with smiles as the adrenalin is still pumping through us. We are getting faster and faster at sail changes and with two watches on deck, we can manage everything we want.
We are starting to see the first signs of busier life ahead of us. More traffic is showing up, right now we have a big supplier vessel at 3,5 miles, heading in the opposite direction. In a few days we will be in the middle of traffic separation schemes and busy harbor entrances. After so many days at sea, this will take some getting used to.
The water temperature is down to 14 degrees, not sure what that reading of a few days ago was, but it cant have been right. The air temperature during the night is around 12 degrees and during the day 15 degrees, a little friendlier when the sun is out!
The continental shelf is about 160 miles away. That would mean we are really back in Europe. Just one more day to go!
Myrthe and Maike made chili con carne last night, two really big pots!!! And so today we are all looking forward to having burritos for dinner!! It may get a little messy, but its a lot of fun with our home made tortilla wraps!
All is well on board, Jet
