Life at sea
13 November 2006
Weather: Clear 80 degrees 12 knots of wind from the SE
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Although today was actually rather uneventful, the focus of our morning revolved around ?the fuel dilemma. Cruising sailboats, unless retrofitted for extended offshore passages, ?typically don't have a very large fuel capacity. The concept being: you are sailing, not ?motoring. So other than for charging your batteries and the estimated percentage of time ?the winds are either too light or in an unfavorable direction and you must motor, you ?wouldn't ordinarily carry enough fuel to get to your destination under power. So the ?question is, "How much is enough?" Ask 10 sailors and you'll get 10 different ?opinions. Well it depends upon where you are going, the probabilities of wind, your ?energy consumption, etc. The advice we went with came from one of the organizers and ?seasoned veterans. He suggested that "a three day supply for this trip should be ?adequate. But you never know!"
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The fuel issue weighed very heavy on our minds (as well as the minds of many others in ?the rally) as we had already consumed close to two days worth, while being only four ?days out. We debated optimum fuel consumption based on engine rpms, energy ?consumption, and energy conservation. The forecast was to be much of the same for the ?next day or two until the trade winds, which had been lighter than usual, would kick in at ??8-12 knots.
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Fortunately at 12:45pm the wind came up to about 7 knots and we've been sailing ever ?since. Truly a blessing from above! With any luck our wind will continue and fuel will ?not be an issue.
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On other exciting news, we saw one boat today!!! (A container ship). But we are ?definitely not alone out here as every few hours a voice comes over the radio. Today we ?spoke to the sailing vessel, Vamoose, sailing to Antigua who discussed the fuel issue with ?us after hearing our conversation with a fellow Rallyer. There are an incredible number ?of knowledgeable and capable problem solvers out here and it is quite comforting hearing ?those friendly voices. And The Four C's sails on!!!
Number of knowledgeable and capable problem solvers out here and it is quite ?comforting hearing those friendly voices. And The Four C's sails on!!! ?