we needed to do and leave a few hours later.The weather has been coming
through strong from the west,and as predicted,20 kts running up to 30
and sometimes gusting at 35.We have the wind right from behind,and our
main sail in 2nd reef is giving us excellent performance.Surfing down a
swell on my 6-10am watch we got up to 13.4kts.Our aim is to run as deep
into the Med as we can,Our original plan was to hug the coast of Africa
but our latest weather files suggested we should rather stick closer to
the northern side.Sailing from Cadiz,I also had our waypoints crossing
the TSS diagonally so we get get to the coast of Africa.Instead I
changed our waypoints and stuck to the southern coast of Spain as we
approached the Straits.
TSS stands for Traffic Seperation Scheme.Ships coming in and out have
to stay within the allotted lanes.Very much like driving on a two way
road.The northern lane in Gibraltar is for ships going out and the
southern for ships coming in.We thus had to stay between the coast and
the ships going out as we were going in.Fortunately the night skies were
clear and we could see the ships navigation lights fairly clearly.We had
a fishing vessel with a flashing red light that came straight us and we
had to alter our course to avoid a collission.Other than that we could
negotiate and navigate our way through without to much hassle.
What a luxury to have a third crewmember again.Felix took a little time
to get his sealegs,but this morning,after a good sleep,he is fine.He was
on the midnight to three shift this morning and we spend some time
together making sure we don't have any close encounters with big
ships.Sailing vessels have right of way,meaning we should be able to
stick our course and the motor tankers should alter course for us.Often
this is not possible as they take a considerable time to alter
course,and to stick to the rules of the road as it is called,on the sea
it will get you in trouble.Might is right,and we don't argue.They do,if
they can,alter course,sometimes.It is therefore essential to keep a good
watch out for ships coming from any direction.
Our position at AM 09:00 UTC was 36*06'N/04*31'W.we hope you are having
or have enjoyed a fabulous weekend.
Paul
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