At this rate …
The Gulf Stream is behind us. Piece of cake. Monica slept until 6 a.m. I napped in the cockpit and kept watch. We went through the night with shortened sail and settled for that 4.5 knots of boat speed, a conservative approach taken so we couldn’t be surprised with too much sail if the wind suddenly increased, as it can, especially when you are napping.
It is about 10 a.m. Thursday, not quite six days into this leg of the Bermuda One-Two. The sky is overcast. There are 8-foot swells. If the wind increases they could get bigger and steeper. But Robin is riding smoothly for now.
“At this rate …” has become our joke. We were saying that six days ago when we were making 7 knots coming out of St. George’s, Bermuda.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is once again playing on the CD player. It’s stuck in there. I ruined several CDs trying to get them out on the way down to
Monica was scared yesterday afternoon when we turned for the
Two weeks ago, after I had encountered some unpleasant conditions, I thought about Monica’s potential fear in such a situation. I called her and suggested that she book a ticket home from
Monica surprises you. She was in for the whole deal, she said each time. Until last night, the potential for difficulty had not yet presented itself. But now, I could read the fear in her face. Her reaction was to hunker down and brace herself.The wind gods must have been impressed, because she slept like a baby all night, her cradle rocking gently.
Herb says the wind will pipe up this afternoon with a potential for winds of 25 to 30 knots, just less than an official gale. The front will pass tomorrow morning, when the wind shifts from northeast to northwest. We’ll shorten sail. And we’ll make every effort to arrive in
June 28th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Don’t you know you can’t scare Monica off that easily? She is woman! Hear her roar! Then watch her sleep.
June 28th, 2007 at 11:42 am
The “throngs” here definitely will be electrified! Hats off to both of you for this accomplishment -especially Monica! Way to go, girl!!!You are NOT last!!! And even if you were, so What. I’d rather be Type C and arrive back in Newport safe and happy rather than Type A and arrive back in cardiac arrest swearing never to set foot on an ocean going sailboat again. Sail on. Newport awaits you both !.
June 28th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
As far as you apologizing for being “last,” remember those of us sailing in home waters who remain last while you soar to new plateaus.
June 28th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Hi Doug and Monica,
It was great to hear from you today. I happened to be in a WAWA ordering a tuna sandwich when my phone rang and it was you. It struck me as truly ironic as people, consumed by their mundane daily tasks, were zipping around me while all my mind could see was your sturdy little Westsail and her brave crew froliking along at sea. I later went to my office and caught up on all of your blogs. Thank you for these priceless memories. I particularly enjoyed the “Irresponsible Adult”, I think maybe the time has come for you two to take the next step. After all “would have, could have, should have” would be a particularly painful pill for you to swallow later on if you didn’t go. And let me ask; when could you be better prepared than you are right now. As far as the impending heavier weather, I wouldn’t worry too much. I have been in that area in 35 knot winds and as long as you are not in the gulf stream or to close to coastal waters it won’t be bad. If it were me, I would run until it starts breaking under the stern and then heave too, possibly with a sea anchor, until it passes. But you know what is best for Robin. Take Care, and stay in touch.
Tom
June 28th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
I am planning a double to Lisbon. Been fun watching an learning. Congratulations!