38’45.1S 043’41.3W course 208′ speed 3,6
This morning started off perfect! The wind had eased like the weather report said, and turned favorably! Under full main, forestaysail, jib nr 2 and the mizzen reeved, we were doing 7 knots towards the Falkland Islands. I got so excited. Not my watch at all, but sitting outside, stiff breeze, it was exhilarating! And then it got a little too much! Instead of decreasing, the wind increased. Forse 5 to 6 on the full mainsail, not a good idea. We went to a broad reach, easing the pressure and then reeved the mainsail again. Coming up to our course, the wind was strong and relentless. A big shower was rolling in and we went to a broad reach again! 140′ over the ground.. 9 knots… too bad, completely the wrong way! After the shower, the wind backed and so close hauled was now 150′ over the ground.
So we put in a tack, or rather a gybe, a very slow one. With a small crew on deck we came around and went…. 305′ over ground.. It turned out to be a frustrating watch.. not a lot of speed, and the complete wrong direction.. or a little better then 150′ as our weather report is saying good winds are coming and they will start from the west! So lets get there.
In the meantime the quiet sailing gave a bit of respijt on deck. Reading a book, wearing shorts and enjoying the sunrise.
Right now we are under engine. During the night the wind decreased again, so we unreeved, set the big jib and still we were doing 3 knots to 310′, so we tacked and went 155′ once again.. We tacked back, because that at least had west in it.. but then the flogging started.. and so now, under engine we are making due Falkland islands course!
All is well, Jet
