Katherine Ann Westabout

Had a nice run down from the Falkland Islands to fifty odd miles from the Straits of Le Maire and the wind gradually faded away to nothing with little in the way of albatross activity. Now a forecast strong SW change was forecast for about this time and in the dead calm birds of all sorts suddenly were wheeling around. Quickly shortened sail and ten minutes later in she came, so hard on the wind to the West all day and into the night. Around midnight the wind eased and veered to the West so was able to comfortably lay Cabo San Diego on the extreme West of Isla Tierra del Fuego, passing the Cape just on dawn and with the help of a favourable current was making 10 knots in a light West breeze. The forecast for a few hours later was 27 knots so shortened sail and half way through the wind did indeed get up. And up. In rough seas glanced at the plotter and noticed a big course Chang so went about onto a port tack and the wind was by then blowing 35 knots gusting 45 knots.to ad d to this a couple of almighty Kerblams! which sent the porridge all over the Mustos and across to the starboard bunk. Also I could see no chance of making Cabo Buen Suceso so decided to run back to more sheltered waters. In the sea and wind conditions the yacht was almost uncontrollable in hand steering with triple reefed main and storm jib so doused the storm jib and could then use the wind vane. All rather difficult,cold,wet and tiring. Once back past Diego all became very settled and an attack plan formulated for attempt 2. Great nights sleep hove to, warm dry bunk and snuggled up with my little hotty* felt very much like just staying there. Deduced the current was around 4 knots SW when I went into the Straits and 4 knots NE when I came back under triple reefed main alone doing 10 knots. The chart warned of 8 knots of tidal stream and dangerous overfalls. I have no doubt. Passed Diego a bit later next morning and a pleasant though slow trip with a nice 18 knot quarterin g breeze and a measured 3 knot counter current but passed Cabo Buen Suceso at dusk as the breeze died to 5 knots. At one stage was doing 3.2 knots NE while pointing SW! Had the company of quite a few seals for half an hour whilst almost becalmed. The pleasant 15 knots forecast did not eventuate and very quiet through the night. It is now 4pm and 50 miles East of Cape Horn with a blustery West wind of 14 to 32 knots and heading SW. Hoping for the SW change forecast for early morning to allow a change of tack and a glimpse of The Horn. But see Approach Planning ( Original ) **Hot Water Bottle ** Essential equipment in six degrees and sleet. Might be able to send a picture of the snow capped mountains behind Cabo Buen Suceso. --------------020003010408020002040509--