At sea for the first 24.
We’ve been at sea now for nearly 24 hours. And have had great sailing conditions (better than expected) so have put 130nm or so miles in our wake. Just off our starboard beam lies Punta de la Restinga on the most southwestern Canary Island of Hierro. We thought we might stop there to get some fuel, but because we used so little in the first 24 hours there was no need to stop again.
Broadly speaking, our first challenge is to get about 10 degrees further south than we are in an effort to engage with the NE trade winds and because our destinations lie south of 14 degrees. Right now we are at 27° 33N. Once in the trade winds, it will be easier to move west in steadier conditions. But we have to get down there.
With that in mind, the standing orders are to never sail east of south or north of west; and right now we are wing on wing in 14kts of wind on a heading of 250. We expect a little low-pressure system to rake us with some contrary winds in a day or so, and we’ll use that “opportunity” to make more southing.
Everyone is healthy, happy, and well.
Safe watch. kb OUT.