A week ago we were looking at a succession of highs moving across to the Azores finally consolidating as one big high. Back then our biggest concern was no wind. Yesterdays forecast shows a succession of lows marching across and we've been in and around one for 24 hours now. It started with the dull, 0 - 5 knot variable winds, with us sloshing around in swells from 10 directions. This was accompanied by rain for about 8 hours varying from bad day in the hills to monsoon. This of course has searched out the leaky bits and consequently the forward cabin is soaked with drips still coming from the hatch. Anyway, a fresh breeze came in the afternoon and we were able to switch off the engine after about 6 or 8 hours; and that's when the ride started. The wind increased over a few hours into darkness and by midnight we had 30 - 40 knots (42.7 tops) with seas I was quite glad I could only hear. (Having your iPod up loud really helps!)
We ran off ahead of it with just a scrap of staysail out keeping to 4knots for steerage. Pretty wild night but the boat was fine but about as comfortable and noisy as being in a washing machine with a pile of spanners. The blow was preceded by the start of the end our dodger. We once had a tent that after many years use was still giving good camping until one morning when taking it down we put our finger through the fabric as if it was tissue. The whole thing then pretty much fell apart in our hands so we packed it straight into the nearest bin. Well, the dodger tore and we went to sew it up and much the same has happened. We'll try again later but it looks as if it's a template for a new one and it too will find a home in some sail makers bin.
This morning, the front has gone through and we've huge (for us anyway) seas (you look behind and there's just this wall of water; above you!) However, the boat just lifts and skooshes of to the next crash into the wave in front and the pots, pans, cups, everything join in the chorus while the locker doors swing open to applaud.
I guess it's out here you find out whether you have a blue water boat or not. Anyway, the sun is out, the forecast is for winds to ease and we can get re-charged. The wind vane is doing all the steering and after a fraught installation, salvaged by Phil is performing reasonably well. Lastly, we lost our lure to some big monster fish yesterday that took a bite and swam off with hundreds of feet of our line. Fortunately, the line broke as we reeled it in and we've been spared fish for the rest of the trip. All good fun; beards all round and plenty to keep us amused. How I ever thought I'd get time to read a book is beyond me right now.
Off to get breakfast, weather and start sewing.