Its 02:30 and we're doing 2.5 knots against a swell and headwinds of 15knots. Wind is 180 degrees from where it should be. Only good news is we have about a knot of current in our favour. Ian is at the helm having called me as a ship was passing close by half a hour ago and Phil just got up for a pee. I'm on watch in half an hour to see the dawn coming up. Forecast is for wind to go north @ 15 -20 then NNE @ 25 then finally west but dropping to 10. Right now our eta Azores is 24th. As I need to be in Paris for 23rd we better get some decent wind.
Phil spent the afternoon fixing our cockpit table while Dougie sawed in his own way catching sleep below. Not much to report other than it's painfully slow.
Wind got up to 30 knots from east. Straight from the Azores and we've spent all night flogging against headwinds and big seas; 3 - 4 metre with smallish breaking crests. Noisy and wet and going the wrong direction but quite safe. The 30 knots did for the staysail so if it calms down, it's coming off for a look and maybe a sew job. Wind is easing and backing so hopefully a) we can switch off the damn engine and b) start making some headway. Add that to the Azores shopping list. Need a Yanmar mechanic, a dodger fixer And a sail maker and Dougie says he wants a massage. Phil is on the helm just now. Not bad for a beginner piloting us through the seas and weather. Takes the odd wave in the face but seems to be enjoying it. Dougie and I trying to get some kip as, once the wind backs we should be reaching fast for 2-3 days as the trade winds finally settle in.
Fuel and water at ½ and we're just shy of half way distance but surely with all the rubbish weather there can't be another ½ in time. The sun is out and it's actually cracking sailing weather - just in the wrong direction. Hopefully better news tomorrow.