Well, we finally did manage to get that weather window after tropical storm Nadine went through the Azores and we left Santa Maria at 10:30 UTC (Azore time) and headed toward Portugal. Our friends, Christa and Pascal on Titom started out ahead of us and another boat we know started out after us, but all are headed in the same direction. Today 7 boats left the marina - 3 going our way and 4 heading south toward the Canary Islands. We got more wind than we thought we would and definitely much higher waves. The wind has been hitting us forward of the beam running between 18-25 knots with seas 6-8' high making for a "sporty" ride. We had 1 reef in the main and our staysail out at first, then added our genoa later in the day once it became steady at 15-20 knots. The wind and waves were taken us south of our planned route, but now at 7PM we are able to get some speed and better direction. We have set it up to talk to 2 other boats on the SSB daily so that is always enjoyable to touch base with others while on a passage.
I will not be able to provide the daily numbers of miles until 10:30AM tomorrow, but as of now we have traveled 34 nautical miles of a 6 day trip. Dinner was simple as it is somewhat difficult to make a complicated meal when you are heeling 15 degrees! We also have to get back into the rhythm of a passage which usually takes a day or two.
Current details as of writing this at 7:15PM - location 36.51.133N, 24.22.430W, wind speed 13-15k, heading 112 degrees,hull speed 6-6.5 knots. This is much better than earlier in the day when we were averaging 4-4.5 knots due to the waves.
Update - we didn't get this sent before - it is now 11:30PM- the wind and waves evened out for a pleasant ride. Averaging 6 knots with great moonlight for our night passage. Location 36.50.805N, 23.53.105W now. I did call in and report our position in shiptrak so it should show up there as well.
Will write again tomorrow - best wishes from Bob & Janice (PS - Sailor is in her "sleeping position" on the setee - lower side of course!)
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