The first day of our westward Atlantic crossing was filled with friendly dolphin, fresh winds, and just a dash a of fear. With the port of Las Palmas still in sight and the sound of the starting gun ringing on our ears, a giant pod of frisky dolphin joined us as we headed out to sea. The variable winds at the start had the WIDAGO crew running to swap sails last minute, since it was a touch to beamy for the parasailor. However, as we made our made out of the mayhem of the starting pack and into open water, we popped the chute of our big blue Whomper, and began flying downwind. Chris Tibbs wasn’t joking about that acceleration zone south by the airport – although Ahab might say we read our wind speeds a bit high, we were seeing steady winds at 25-28 kts, and gusts to 31. Along with some steeper wind driven waves, those “fresh” winds helped us clock record breaking speeds registering 17.8 kts. Let’s just say I wasn’t having as much as the captain as we were hauling a$$. In fact I may have had to have an outfit change.
Due to the pushy seas and brisk winds, Ahab was hand steering the whole time we had the parasailor up – and then it started getting dark. I had no desire to hand steer downwind in 25-30 kts, surfing down the waves going 15 kts. No thank you. We managed to get the sail down without losing anyone overboard. Re-running our Genoa sheets provided some entertainment, as Ahab had recently replaced the the lines with 14mm dyneema that seemed a bit chubby for the clutches. Like shooting pool with a rope.
We are sailing overnight with just the Genoa out. Seas are bit a sloppy, but we are depowered enough to reduce my anxiety and nausea to manageable levels. Boys are all well, and no one has barfed….yet.
I think of you guys often and enjoy reading some. Miss you here. Part of my family goes with you in my day dreams as I read. Be safe and learn for us all.
Happy birthday sailor girl
Right back atchya Cuz!!!
Tropical depression running from the Bahamas up the East Coast of US — looks like you are well clear of that, thank you very much!!!
Safe travels to you all…
Love, BB
Can’t remember, are you going by way of Cape Verde, or straight over to St. Lucia?
We are in Cape Verde (Mindelo) now…looks like a departure on Wed. Nov. 18 for St.Lucia – even though it is blowing 25 kts today. Looks like I will be providing plenty of chum for the first few days until the sea state settles….arrgghhhh
U r one brave woman. Be well and safe. Love to all.
Always glad to hear all is well. Just arrived at OR Saturday evening.Glad to be here. Hugs. Dottie
Glad to hear all is well. Love reading about your adventure. Lots of Hugs Dottie
Fantastic Widago crew. Wishing you a safe passage – we will be watching your progress across the Atlantic. Great to have read all your blog to date.
From the Shamwari crew sitting in a sweltering Hong Kong!
You guys are amazing! And tell Mr David we love his stories too … Taylor is envious of all the sea life her boy cousins get to “see” daily!!!