Our passage from Walvis Bay to St.Helena is now well on it's way.From
the start we were taking the swell and current on the port beam.Not so
pleasant and being heavily loaded with fuel ,we had to ensure our weight
distribution was optimal towards a positive and balanced waterline.And
instead of fighting the elements we opted for a compromise and headed NW
instead of WNW.This way we gained a slightly better angle which resulted
in less strain on our vessel and we were also worked a better VMG ,a
navigation term to describe the speed at which something or someone is
moving towards a set point.In our case we had to aim away from our
waypoint to more ride the swells and gain better speed towards
St.Helena.Our ETA is next week Wednesday,comforably.
As the days rolled by since leaving Walvis the wind,the swell and the
current has ever so gradually been curving more W.Tomorrow we expect the
wind very much from behind us as we are entering the trades.All aboard
have once again become one with the motion of the ocean and enjoying
every moment out here being completely out of our comfort zones.We
haven't really seen the sun for three days.It has been completely
overcast although yesterday evening just before the sun set a small
opening allowed a golden light to beam down just for a minute or two.
We are also slowly moving through a time zone and the sun is rising and
setting substantially later everyday.Our watches rotate so we up at all
hours day and night.Being four on board allows long periods of rest
inbetween watches.During the day we do four hour watches and at night
three hour watches.We are eating incredibly well.Last night we had
chicken fillets filled with spinach and feta and tied with a strip of
bacon and mashed potato covered with a cheese sauce.
Looking forward to see what the day brings.
Our position currently is 19*24'S/008*22'E.We are averaging about 7 kts
and St.Helena is 870 nm away.So far we have covered 1163 nm.
Wishing you a great Friday and a pleasant weekend.
Paul
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