Hove to
28 April 2013
thursday
Conditions deteriorating here. Very big seas. Low is stuck, wind ENE 35k+ There is no moderation in the forecast before Monday so I could be stuck out here some time if I have to heave-to. Seas will soon be so large that it won't be safe to run with them.
Hove to is fine but the drift is 340 and. Flores is 302..
Friday
Horta impossible. Food still OK but no engine to run watermaker. Plan to get shelter W of island of Flores, go round to harbour when wind allows and make repairs. Wait for chance to get boat to Horta. Low f/cast through to Thursday next. Hove to.
Saturday
Distance 49nm to Flores, there is safe anchorage to the West, but harbour can’t be approached in strong E/ly. Hove to all day, drifting nicely twd Flores at 2k but will have to start sailing tomorrow at dawn
Sunday a.m.
Underway, sea down wind down 33 miles to shelter. V easy 4k under staysail. Severe breaking wave took old Avon dinghy last night (got spare below). Hell of a wave. Sounded as if boat was splitting open but no damage.