Winds and Waves
11 May 2016 | Atlantic Ocean 60 miles from Old Bahama Channel
Captain Kurt
Well race fans we're in the final back straight heading for turn 3 then the short shoot on the old bahama channel that spits us out into turn 4 to point it north for the final straight away that should be quite a drag race when we pick up the gulf stream. Rumored to be 2-3 knots in our favor heading north this could be the moist exciting part of the journey - get the wind right and its smooth sailing to the north on the magic carper of the gulf stream. Get the winds wrong and it can be a terrifying wind against wave effect that build steep blocky waves that can come crashing down on the bow punishing the unsuspecting voyager. In our case we are suspecting so we'll make a game day call on the transit of the approximately 50 mile wide swath of this famous current. One of the most famous currents along with the angehelia current of SW africa we are crossing our fingers for east south east winds that would be picture perfect. The weather forecast is calling right now for east north east winds which may be dicey depending on the strength of the wind. Its still a couple days out so it may change. Our trip leader gave us some strategies for winds that have any northerly component so we'll have to wait and see.
The mood on Big Frisky is upbeat given out 4 day average of 181 miles per day exceeded our expectations of 175 per day. We hope to be in the OBC by nightfall and will let you know how our overnight transit goes in the morning. The dogs are doing well with their ever chipper attitude that always lifts the spirits on your 0400 watch change. Nights watches have been amongst the galaxy's most spectacular with the milky way sheeting the across night sky like a rain storm in the distance.