Position 15 44.8N 54 10.2W
Distance to go: 405 miles
All is well. Interesting day yesterday as we dealt with
heavy squall activity all afternoon. We had been advised that once we cross
longitude 52 30 that this was likely, and so it was. Unlike other isolated
squall activity we've encountered along the way, this was a well organized
large system with no hope of being able to slip between squalls. Within 3
minutes the wind went from 12 kts SE to 27 kts NE. The sky turned dark gray as
though it was dusk but it was only 1:30PM. Then came the rain…Oh the rain! It
was the hardest and longest period of rainfall I've ever seen. The force of the
rainfall was such that it had a flattening effect on the seas turning the ocean
surface into a marble looking surface. The splash of the rain on the ocean
surface created a low lying mist which was whisked away in sheets by the wind.
In hindsight, a rather spectacular display of nature. However at the present
time we weren’t so impressed. Unlike other less organized squalls which we've
encountered which last 20 minutes or so, this one went on for one hour and
forty-five minutes with lighter rain lasting for another hour after that.
Fortunately, the wind never became excessive and we stayed in control by
dropping the mainsail and pressing on with a reduced jib. After that, the rest
of the night was beautiful. The wind returned to the SE 13 -15 kts and behind
us we enjoyed the view of a bright rainbow arching across a golden colored sky.
Sailing was good through out the night with good speed
maintained. At present the wind remains from the SE and the spinnaker is
flying. We expect one more windshift later tonight to the NE where it is
forecasted to remain for the next few days.
Dinner last night ws roasted chicken with mashed potatoes
and brown gravey…very nice.
While we can't see them there are four boats near us showing
up on our instruments (AIS). As we approach the island over the next two days I
expect more boats be converging on the destination now only a couple of days
away.
Until tomorrow
vcp
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