10/20/2007, Atlantic somewhere
Kate and Molly's birthday at sea today, we invited the neighbourhood dolphins to the party, but they have not shown up so far.
Sailing on199 Degrees True at about 4.8knots. ETA Lanzarote is Sunday. Currently at 31 41'N 11 39.6W. Weather is fine and the wind currently about 12-15knots from NE. Swell has deminished from about 3-4 metres, when the wind was up to 25knots, to around 1-2 metres.
Another clear night at sea last night and I tried to identify some of the constellations of stars with the aid of a star chart. Had some success, but I have to admit that I cannot see how the folks who named them come up with the likenesses to goat, bulls, archers etc. I could only see dancing pixies scattering pixie dust disguised as shooting stars, but maybe I need more sleep!
Jigsaw.
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10/19/2007, Still in the bleeding Atlantic Ocean
Kate and Molly's birthday at sea today, we invited the neighbourhood dolphins to the party, but they have not shown up so far.
Sailing on199 Degrees True at about 4.8knots. ETA Lanzarote is Sunday. Currently at 31 41'N 11 39.6W. Weather is fine and the wind currently about 12-15knots from NE. Swell has deminished from about 3-4 metres, when the wind was up to 25knots, to around 1-2 metres.
Another clear night at sea last night and I tried to identify some of the constellations of stars with the aid of a star chart. Had some success, but I have to admit that I cannot see how the folks who named them come up with the likenesses to goat, bulls, archers etc. I could only see dancing pixies scattering pixie dust disguised as shooting stars, but maybe I need more sleep!
Jigsaw.
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10/18/2007, Atlantic bleeding ocean!!
Well we are now eating up the miles, wind has picked up to about 20k on the stern so running with gusto, all preventers on and poles tied up nice and tightly. We have been surfing the swell at speeds of up to 9.2k. We have run about 190 miles since 3am yesterday, which is amazing for a heavy old boat like Jigsaw. Vera still helming without complaint but needs the odd kick when the swell throws us off the wind.
All feels under control but will put a reef in the main this evening. Current pos 33 42' N 10 23' W, about level with Casablanca. course 209T and speed 6.7k.
Last night gave another spectacular star show and a fantastic clear moon that was presumably shining on all you lot too! I spent ages just looking at the moon and dreaming of all sorts. Still trying to identify less well known constellations and stars, but limited success. Starmaps are coming out tonight.
I have been reading up on astro nav and getting the sextant out of it's box. Slow progress so far, but will try a noonsite tomorrow.
Hope all is well.
Jigsaw.
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