The past three days have led to gradually heavier conditions with sea state growing quite large, at least 3.5 meters on average with larger waves at times. High winds and gusts, the boat rolling from side to side, skidding a bit sideways down large waves that catch us under breaking tops makes doing anything hard, even sleeping as you get tossed around in your bed. The waves rise up behind the boat at least 8-10 feet at times, heavy and thick, and as we sink into the trough we temporarily gain speed as we surf down the waves. The roar of wind and ocean is a constant presence. Flying fish jump at us as we power by, scaring them.
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Photos do not do any justice to the waves.
This past night was supposed to have the highest winds and the ARC community at large posted wind gust statistics on the WhatsApp Chats with stated positions to warn everyone in their paths. We saw our highest gust at 32 knots in the black of night with more sustained winds 24-28. We had prepared, taking our jib off the pole so reefing was easier and no one had to go on deck. We had rolled in our mainsail completely, and a tiny fraction of the jib was pulling us along. A couple huge waves even crashed onto the back deck and I could hear the sound of the waves crashing right over my head as I tried to sleep after my night watch. We do deliberately slow the boat at night, especially knowing we could have gusts that could destroy our sail. Too much wind makes the boat feel out of control, the auto pilot works too hard, the boat feels like it's being pushed and that is how we break something or someone gets hurt.
Yesterday morning we had a scare as the rudder was making (still is) loud squeaking noises. We sent a message to our HR expert (Daniel) for advice who worked on our boat issues in Las Palmas, not knowing if we'd have to turn around and bash towards Cape Verde. Mike Pelle and, Bruce removed panels next to our bed for better access to the rudder posts.


Daniel bought relief as he thought that rudders at times did make that sound, which might drive us crazy but that we were not in danger and that the boat could continue onward to St Lucia. He advised that we could lubricate the posts a bit. We all take turns hand steering at times to give the auto pilot a rest.
But that scare doesn't compare to the tragedies that have befallen two boats in the ARC fleet the night before last. One large catamaran had it's ruder shake loose then punch a hole in their boat. Water flooded the engine bay, one hull and destroyed the electrical systems onboard. They turned and headed to Cape Verde but the situation continued to deteriorate, conditions did not cooperate, so another boat that went to assist them, took all crew onboard and abandoned ship. Everyone is safe.
But not the same can be said of a crew member on the huge Volvo 70 race yacht Ocean Breeze as a crew member was lost overboard the night before last. They desperately tried to find him, other boats altered course to help too but the conditions would not allow for success. Everyone is stunned, saddened, at a loss for words. A tragedy like that makes us all be more cautious, staying attached to the boat with clips, always wearing life jackets on deck. We also have two personal satellite locators that we want crew to wear should they venture forward on deck, and they have begun doing so.They now understand, having lived with bouncy conditions for several days, that the boat can take a weird lurch at any moment so one hand for the boat is critical, two hands going backward down the steps with empty hand while once inside the boat, people hand things to each other instead of carrying anything around.
Today through the weekend we will continue to have "sporty" conditions with higher winds, squalls with gusts, and high sea state so we are all getting used to this new existence, accepting that like the past 6 months, sailing can be difficult, scary, and constant vigilance is necessary to stay safe. Charlie has been most helpful giving us guidance and time to prepare.
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