Yesterday was a lost day. In spite of all the forecasts, grib files and even 'Herb', the wind persisted in being contrary where it was supposed to veer to the southwest. Only at 10 (UTC) last night, the wind veered from ESE to S. I could then lay a course due east, but could only go slowly as all waves were still coming from the east.
Yesterday was a lost day. In spite of all the weather forecasts, grib files and even the prediction of guru 'Herb', the wind persisted in being contrary. It was also very unstable, both from direction and strength. Only at around 10 (UTC) last night did it veer from ESEerly to Southerly. I could then steer due east, but could go only very slowly as all the waves (steep, 2/3 meters hight)were still from an easterly direction.

But finally, early this morning, the wind did veer to the southwest, and increased in strength to over 30 knots. I was sailing under reefed jib and main sail with one reef, and that was way too much sail. Then a squall hit and the boat took off, hitting a top speed of 16.7 knots! I scrambled outside and took the mainsail down. Later, when the wind stabilized a little, I reset the main, this time well reefed!

All in all it is a bit of a stop-and-go game, with the wind changing between 35 and 10 knots. At the moment it is 10 again, and we bounce around on the still steep waves.

Still a long way to go...

Bart

----------
radio email processed by SailMail
for information see: http://www.sailmail.com