St. Helena to Rio Day 1
22 June 2011 | South Atlantic
Paul Matey Arghhh
Departed St. Helena at 1540 hours local. Motored out into blustery large seas and 20 knot winds. While hoisting main just past the island, noticed one batten on main was out of its' battcar on the mast. Motored back a mile in to the lee of the island to fix problem and start all over again. Very rolly first night with lots of hull and bridge deck slaps making a cacophony of sound. Propane ran out while cooking dinner: a grouper I bought from a local fisherman just before leaving. Finished it in the microwave; chewy but tasty! Hit some low 30's wind speeds that night but wind remained primarily inn the mid 20's. Boat speed averaging 8 knots. Our first full day out, Wednesday, sees us sailing in much the same weather; overcast, occasional squalls, seas a bit better and more behind us, wind speed in mid 20's but higher in squalls. Hit 20.6 knots surfing a wave! Boat speed last hour was 9 knots but we're usually doing 8 knots. Sailing under full main and jib; had a reef in main last night but shook it out midday. Still rocking & rolling at times! Thomas took a fall in the cockpit yesterday but is okay; need to hang on while you're out here! The Dads onboard enjoyed their Fathers Day emails; better late than never! (okay, enough whining from the Dads!) 1900nm to go to Cabo Frio (Cape by Rio) at 1830 hours....