Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Moving better than expected again!

Hi Guys,
                Two things have changed that have made life altogether more comfortable aboard ST  ! Firstly, the twin headsail rig is a revelation to us. As mentioned, we have centred the little main with its 3 reefs, and poled out the genoa to starboard. (about 70%). We are flying a no.#3 North Sail  I bought from Craig Middleton before we left, on a port rigged pole, hanked on to  the removable 3rd forestay. It is positioned on the stem of the boat, and is secured through the bowsprit to a plate under the bow.  We are managing between 5 and 6 knots, dead down wind, in 12-14 knots, without much rolling at all. We will definitely use this rig again, as its so easy to control, even when the wind gets up.Secondly, the wind picked up from the 7 to 8 knots to about 12-14, and got us on the move again.
              We did 125 miles on day 19, and have 210 left. We can expect to do another 120 by noon tomorrow, and should hopefully arrive during Wednesday morning, as the winds , at this stage look like staying around the 10-15 range. When we drop the hook, I expect to have done about 3118 mile on the log, and the rhumb line route was 2910. Its been quite a long slog, but our preparations and provisioning have been great. We sorted out the freezer this morning, still have 57 double meals , plus a whole range or our own par cooked vegetables, such as red/yellow/green peppers, carrots. etc We still have 1 apple, 1/2 pineapple, 2 cabbages, onions ,garlic and potatoes for at least another 2 weeks  Lunch today is Thai red curry chicken, one of the 7 remaining pre-cooked meals, which are not included in the above! I must say, that after our 5 years out cruising, Mary & I have got the food side all sorted! The only thing we keep underestimating, is the beer reserves we should carry! (Also, we do not have the space to store much!!)            I have also got a mail back from Quantum telling me about Rutgerson batten cars, which sound rather what I was looking for. Until I can find an internet contact, I cannot have a look at  them. Take a look for me Justin, and give me your thoughts please??
                 love and regards to all,                                                         Rod & Mary





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