Bernie,Brian and Richard enjoying the Gran Canaria Sunshine, 19 Nov 2005
"Little Spirit"'s ARC Adventure
| Date (GMT): 01/07/06 |
East Cowes Sailing Club Course: 000° Speed: 0.0 knots |
Dear All Sorry we suddenly stopped sending the position reports but the computer was splashed with a couple of drops of water and stopped working. We have now arrived back in Cowes at 0130GMT on Friday. Since the last report we have had very good sailing. We had a bit of a scare about mid way when we hit a tree in 4000 meters of water. It was like playing snooker as we hit it three times. The winds were just right for us out of the NE between 12 and 20 knots until we reached the English Channel. Mostly doing 140 miles plus a day with a near record, for us, of 178 on one day. There the wind died and we motored home mostly in very thick fog during the night. The Channel was quiet busy with the radar showing as least 3 and sometimes 5 ships within 6 miles of us. At one point the Navy came out of 2 miles visibility and passed either side of us with a Nimrod overhead. Didn't know we had that many ships. Steve and Tevor took a time to settle in but after 3 days were getting the hang of things and I could relax. Trevor joined in getting the boat to move fast by trimming the sails. Steve was suddenly dumped with the navigation 10 minutes from entering the Needles Channel and had to identify 15 different flashing navigation lights very quickly. A bit different from the trip up to that time where a navigation light was a rareity. Little Spirit has a number of small repairs about 2 pages of needs and wants. Nothing major and many jobs will be completed quickly and at small expence. My e-mail address at MEJJ6@sailmail.com should be deleted from your address book and all mail sent to brian_cooper@wight365.net Brian, Trevor and Steve |
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| Date (GMT): 21/06/06 Time (GMT): 11:50hrs |
Latitude: 34° 09.32'N Longitude: 024° 18.27'W Course: 060° Speed: 5.0 knots |
After a bit more motoring the wind started to fill in slowly. Building from 5kts to 14knts by Midnight and going round to the N. Since midnight we have made goood time reaching nearly at 6.5 knts. Yesterdays milage was 138. Dawn stared about 4.30am and seeped across the sky very slowly forcing its way through the clouds. A lonely harbour porpoise appeared at half light with the eneveratable Boobies.Yesterday we saw a number of porpoise and possibly a whale blowing in the far distance. The jelly fish we mentioned out of St Martin/Bermuda/Azores have been identified as Portugeuse Men of War. Brian, Steve and Trevor |
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| Date (GMT): 20/06/06 Time (GMT): 10:55hrs |
Latitude: 39° 42.04'N Longitude: 026° 13.19'W Course: 055° Speed: 5.3 knots |
Yesterday after departure the wind filled in much more than we expected. We had anticipated just under 10 and started with 15 untill about 2300. It then dropped off to 5 knots and has been like that and as low as 2 since then. We carry fuel for about 600 miles so we will burn some in the hopes that we can get further north and some wind. Howerever the Azores High looks like its in and will be with you soon. So no wind for us.Trevor and Steve took a days sailing to settle in and are in fine spirits this morning. We left in company with a French boat and spoke to him on the radio last night but haven't heard from him today as I guess he is sailing slowly. Brian, Steve and Trevor |
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| Date (GMT): 19/06/06 Time (GMT): 12:04hrs |
Latitude: 38° 39.14'N Longitude: 027° 13.95'W Course: 000° Speed: 0.0 knots |
Departed Angra Do Heroismo at 1126GMT Brian, Steve and Trevor |
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| Date (GMT): 10/06/06 Time (GMT): 12:00hrs |
Latitude: 38° 39.14'N Longitude: 027° 13.05'W Course: 000° Speed: 0.0 knots |
We have arrive in Angra do Heroismo Marina, Berth D10. We left you last night as we put in the third reef. We were still like that when we went to watchkeeping at 8pm. A weather forcast from Horta said we would get force 3/5 over night. We decided that we would motor. In the early hours we passed into hte island chain with it's orange street lights visible on both sides. About 4am the first light in this Island became visable. With dawn any wind died. Arrive in this port was very simple and the marina very smart. Monday the ARC Wurope fleet arrive so \we made it in time to get a berth. On arrive Richard spoke to a Canadian Lady who has taken us under her wing as all the shops are closed as it's Portugal Day. She gave us bread, cheese and fruit for lunch with a beer out of our fridge. We are going bull baiting with her and her husband tonight. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 09/06/06 Time (GMT): 19:49hrs |
Latitude: 39° 05.23'N Longitude: 028° 46.10'W Course: 127° Speed: 6.0 knots |
Yesterday evenng ended on a high with Harbour Porpoises playing around the boat as night fell. About 2.30am Robin got up and helped me with the gybe. He had no sooner got back into bed than I got him out again as the wind increased to 28 knts and we put in the third reef. By the time we had finished it was his watch so he stayed up. Richard got up early and relieved him. We continued to reach to the Azores untill 3pm with winds constant at 26 and gusting 32. Hard work but we made good time. The winds then dropped off and the rain came so we are now motoring. We have just finished putting in the 3rd reef for tonight because we are unsure what is going to happen. Herb says the winds will be stronger than last night in yesterday's forecast. The Fax from Northwood may or may not support this so we have played safe. We expect to be in harbour tomorrow morning. Nice talking to you. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 08/06/06 Time (GMT): 18:57hrs |
Latitude: 43° 95.74'N Longitude: 032° 01.96'W Course: 096° Speed: 5.5 knots |
Yesterday evening was beautiful. We were heading east toward the center of a double complete rainbow against dark grey clouds. The western sky held a bright sun slowly sinking below low clouds on the horizon. We made good time during the night with the wind easing off just after breakfast. We motored for a few hours which kept our speed up and recharged the batteries. Just after dinner the wind filled in and we are now running down wind. During the night we will reach our waypoint north of Faial and turn SE for Angra do Heroismo. The weather charts from Boston show we should have 10/15 knots of wind behind us all the way. So we are hoping for a good trip. Today we have been sun bathing and repairing a couple of small items. A very relaxed day. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 07/06/06 Time (GMT): 19:15hrs |
Latitude: 40° 03.69'N Longitude: 040° 03.69'W Course: 196° Speed: 5.0 knots |
Today has been routine with a diesel fuel filter change. A nice start to the day when 6 Harbour Porpoises swam past looking for breakfast and started to hunt off the starboard quarter. It continued when we crossed a weather ridge and went between the rain in the only patch of blue sky visible. The wind today has been good to us.Good overnight, light after the ridge and variable N or NE for theafternoon. To make better time we now run our engine in drive while charging the batteries. The wind charger is doing it's bitbut will not produce anything like the power we need to keep the boat running. Our wind steering is coping well. It's now supposed to work with less than 8 knts across the vane but it does. We have to correct it when a bigger wave hits us. Waves out here are gentle. Not like those of the Solent which are short and sharp stopping your progess. It also helps that we rarely beat to wind ward. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 06/06/06 Time (GMT): 21:44hrs |
Latitude: 39° 51.18'N Longitude: 036° 45.59'W Course: 055° Speed: 5.0 knots |
The last position report did not contain any chat as the clocks got to us. We are having to change our clocks forward an hour every 2 days at present to get to Azores time. We have 3 different times on the boat. Local time for eating, watches etc. GMT for navigation and our radio schedule. UK time so that we know when you are all awake and can think of you. Our radio schedule is quiet hectic. We have to download weather, e- mail and talk to Herb. We change frencencies about 10 times over a period of 4 hours. As our local time changes this period is getting later and is about to interfere with our watch times. Another problem is Herb. AS we move E he talks to us later each day as new boat S and W of us join his schedule. This means my time on the radio has been extend from 1 hour to about 2 and a half. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 04/06/06 Time (GMT): 21:36hrs |
Latitude: 39° 25.94'N Longitude: 041° 24.50'W Course: 080° Speed: 5.2 knots |
Yesterday we thought we had a good run but the 24 hour run today was 178 miles which only failed by 5 miles to beat are record set up on the way across. This dispite lighter winds. We have now slowed down as we are now going N for more current and to get a better angle on the wind shift that we expect in the next 2 days. By then the Low at the Azores will have moved N which will help us with a southerly track to Agra Do Heroismo on Terceira. There is more big ship activity around us. We have seen 2 one came within 400 meters and heard a container ship (Santiago Express) and a US warship giving weather to another yacht. Our fresh food has now all been used so tonight we have Sweet and Sour chicken with corn (appropriate) and rice. Tea is on ration but coffee is not but we will have to use a brand we don't like. Water is OK but we are frugle. We limit ourselves to 14 litres a day. 2 litres each for drinkng and the rest for cooking, washing, cleaning. Think about that. How much do you use just doing the washing up? Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 03/06/06 Time (GMT): 21:58hrs |
Latitude: 38° 54.29'N Longitude: 044° 45.82'W Course: 090° Speed: 7.3 knots |
Today the sky started to lighted at 2am. About 3 there was a spashing sound. A look into the gloom and there playing in our bow wave were 20 Harbour Porpoises. They stayed with us for about 15 minutes. As we were travelling at about 6.5 they had no difficulty overtaking us. Since the last position report we have done over 160 miles at speed over the ground of 8/9 knots. We hope to maintan this speed into the night before the wind drops off. When we reach 42W we will go N to remail in the Gulf Steam. Today is the last day of fresh meat and we have no bread left either as we were unable to get long dated in Bermuda. So it's cans and what have you. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 02/06/06 Time (GMT): 21:29hrs |
Latitude: 38° 17.01'N Longitude: 048° 22.50'W Course: 090° Speed: 5.1 knots |
We think you must be having good weather on the Island. There is a High Pressure Area over Ireland which covers you. This will remain for about 96 hours. The Low over the Azores will still be there in 96 hours. This is because your High is preventing it moving.So we will suffer strong winds. Luckily we are a few days away and the High is going E and the Low SE a bit so we may be OK. We made good distance over the last 24 hours and nearly did our target of 120 miles for the first time since leaving Bermuda. We had about 0.3knts of tide with us at present but late tomorrow expect to pick up the Gulf Steam with about 1.5/2knts. This will help a lot as we have light winds tomorrow. Last night we saw a ship and today excitement when a 50 gallon oil drum floated passed 20 foot away. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 01/06/06 Time (GMT): 23:22hrs |
Latitude: 37° 30.02'N Longitude: 059° 38.52'W Course: 064° Speed: 4.5 knots |
I keep talking about Boobies and it has been pointed out that not everone knows what I am talking about. A Boobie is a sea bird about the size of a Black headed Gull. It is brown on the wings and back with a lovely sheen to it. The breast is white. When flying it glides very close to the sea surface with a few beats to climb over the waves. It seems to Scavange for food but we have seen them drive for fish near the shore. Normally you will find a male and female together. It received it's name from the old time sailors who used to go into the breeding colonies and just pick them up for food as they had no fear of humans. Hence a silly bird a Boobie. Today they are much more aware of what people do to them and stay away from us. The night went quietly and we made slow progress. By mid morning we were in the centre of a High Pressure zone with little wind. So motor on for about 3 hours. The wind filled in so we are now sailing at about 5.5 knots but have a tide against us. We hope to be rid of this by the time we reach 38N. Tomorrow we hope for 15knts from thhe W. We are looking at the Low Pressure at the Azores. It has been there for 7 days now and shows no sign of going. Not an isssue yet as we are still a few days away. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 31/05/06 Time (GMT): 22:31hrs |
Latitude: 36° 48.70'N Longitude: 052° 37.22'W Course: 080° Speed: 4.8 knots |
It was not boring last night. Richard had first watch which was quiet. My watch the sky opened and the rain fell. After I had a wind change from SW to NE within 5 minutes. Richard and I had already taken down the free flyng genoa 3 in anticipation of this. Robin came on watch and the main halyard broke so we all spent an hour at dawn putting in a new one. So far today we have had good speed beating into 15/20 knots but the tidal stream has been against us. We have now broken clear of this stream and so our speed over the ground has improved. getting north of this steam looks good and we will get favorible winds now until Sunday. For dinner Richard cooked pork, cabbage and potatoes in gravy. The cabbage was something we had been looking forward to. We have settled down to a routine and getting in a bit of laughter at what goes wrong. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 30/05/06 Time (GMT): 21:56hrs |
Latitude: 36° 20.07'N Longitude: 054° 36.57'W Course: 080° Speed: 4.0 knots |
Another quiet night with a ship passing us in the early hours. Our Boobies are still with us. Each morning one does a fly pass across the stern and calls to us. We have pushed north to get better wind and have found it. Unfortunately we have W current slowing us down. Herb says go S to below 36 but we are not going to. We know to goes to 34.5N so it's a long way. We are now going E to a way point of 38N 50W. We are still eating very well. The vacuumed packed meat from St Martin has remained fresh. We were beginning to worry as we were going so slow. Shades of the 'Old Timers'. We have found weavils in the pasta and rice. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 29/05/06 Time (GMT): 21:29hrs |
Latitude: 35° 12.67'N Longitude: 055° 59.90'W Course: 050° Speed: 4.0 knots |
Last night was uneventful except the wind vane wouldn't cope with the light winds so we used the autohelm. The result was lack of battery power at 4am so the motor went on for 2 hours. Robin says he slept thru the noise but he was probally being realistic. Our 2 Boobies were still with us this morning and they are all we have seen. The sea is still very flat and so we have been using the sextant for fun. At least I think it's fun but the calculations are causing me problems as it's a long time since I read the book. Rogers wind statagy was about 24 hours ahead of Herb so well done. We are now going north east looking for a waypoint of 37N 54W for a better wind and an east going stream between 36 and 37N. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 28/05/06 Time (GMT): 22:19hrs |
Latitude: 34 54.30'N Longitude: 058° 08.88'W Course: 080° Speed: 4.5 knots |
Last night the sky was full of a million stars. The phosphoresence shone in the bow wave. Wind picked up about midnight and we had a good run until after breakfast. We must be on a shipping route as a super tanker went past on the same course. Roger Cronin is sending us weather reports which forcast bad weather ahead. We will probally go north when the NE wind arrives to go over the top of the low. This is what 'Herb' is saying at present. You can find Herb on the www by entering Herb Southbound ll. Roger isn't so lucky to be so famous but is doing a grand job. Ricahrd, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 27/05/06 Time (GMT): 21:54hrs |
Latitude: 34 05.71'N Longitude: 060° 24.39'W Course: 080° Speed: 4.5 knots |
The wind remains light about 9 knts from the SW so we are on a run. You will notice that we arn't going very fast and only doing about 80 miles a day. We are heading for about 35N 58W when we expect to continue along the 35N line to avoid beating into a NE wind for afew days. Then we will be beating. Today was warmer under a cloudless blue sky on a smooth sea. Sleeping bags are out and used at about dawn as a cover. A freightercame along the same course as us on her way to The Channel and kindly altered course to leeward of us. No birds or fish but the jellyfish are still with us. Ricahrd, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 26/05/06 Time (GMT): 21:49hrs |
Latitude: 33 31.71'N Longitude: 061° 58.29'W Course: 080° Speed: 4.5 knots |
Overnight the wind dropped off untill we were sailing in 10knts fron the NW. It has now gone round more to the W. As we changed watch at 4am dawn was just visable in the Eastern horizon. About an hour later the sun popped up. In the Caribbean dawn and sunrise are nearly at the same time. The sea tempreature has dropped from a Carebbean 30 to 16 which is nearly the same as the Island which was 13 when we left. We still have jelly fish floating by and a super tanker joined us for about 30 minutes. Robin is cutting onion and my eyes are starting to water. We expect the same weather for the next few days but a front is promised for Tuesday. So we will be turning E about Sun/Mon. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 25/05/06 Time (GMT): 23:07hrs |
Latitude: 32° 14.11'N Longitude: 064° 02.87'W Course: 080° Speed: 6.0 knots |
We departed Bermuda after lunch today at 1730 GMT. So far the winds have been good and we expect them to remain so for at least 2 days. At present we are following the south route to the Azores. It is definitely colder. Tonight we will be in long trousers for the first time since Portugal. The evenings are staying lighter longer as well. We expect to take about 14 days to the Azores (Flores) but may not stop there. We will decide nearer the time. Today I bought a newspaper and what do you think! The Isle of Wight got a mention on a sad subject of burials at sea. So Bernie (ARC crew)doesn't feel left out I also noted that her Aboriginals were having a little trouble at Wadeye 160 miles from Darwin. Makes one want to turn round and go back to Bermuda. A very very neat island full of American tourists travelling on buses for the first time. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 23/05/06 Time (GMT): 02:00hrs |
Latitude: 32° 22.75'N Longitude: 064° 40.42'W Course: 000° Speed: 0.0 knots |
We have arrived in Bermuda and are now at anchor in St Georges Harbour. We though that we had missed the ARC Europe boats but they are still here and look like they will depart on Thursday the same day we are aiming for. Today we made good time and could have sailed all day but this would have ment arriving in the middle of the night which isn't recommended so we motorsailed. Ricahrd, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 21/05/06 Time (GMT): 23:11hrs |
Latitude: 30° 01.15'N Longitude: 064° 29.63'W Course: 007° Speed: 5.0 knots |
When you get up in the morning 2 hours early to relieve Richard, the last night watch, you know it's going to be a beatiful day. Cold and damp with cloud blocking the sun which quickly burnt it all off leaving a blue sky over a royal blue ocean. An Ocean that is at peace with itself. A very gentle swell ruffled by 3.5 knots of wind. Clouds form in the shape of a dinosaurs foot as he gently steps on the Earth on his way to Andromedea. The ships of last night are well gone and the ocean is empty except for a number of plastic bottles. Intrigued we stop to examine one. It is one of the most beatiful creatures we have seen. We think it must be a jelly fish. About 8 inches long in the form of a tube floating on the surface blown along by the wind on a sail fin along its back. Just visible underneath are the fine tenticles. We are now within VHF range of Bermuda and their Coast Gaurd is coming though loud and clear. It's mid morning and we have about 40/45 hours before arriveal. While I've been on watch Richard and Robin have cleaned the boat. A tanker is heading south and looks empty. The course would take her from Bermuda to Venezuela. This afternoon we plan to be very English and have Afternoon Tea, well tea and cake anyway. And the day ends well. A blue sky and an orange sun sinking very slowly into a purple horizon. At the last moment a very small faint 'green flash' at it disapppeared. Had we not known what to look for we would not have seen it. 141 miles to go which at 5 knots is about 27 hours. Progress since this morning has been good (above). We may have to slow down to avoid arriving durring the hours of darkness. The wind is due to fill in tomorrow evening, untill then we motor. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT): 20/05/06 Time (GMT): 22:50hrs |
Latitude: 27° 46.53'N Longitude: 064° 07.57'W Course: 007° Speed: 5.0 knots |
Another day under motor. Richard was soaked about 4am when the skies opened. Since then it has been raining as we passed though a trough. The weather cleared about 4pm. Just as it did a Super Yacht came out of the rain and passed us under motor at 10 knots. An hour later a liner appeared hanging around to be in Bermuda about dawn. We are still 276 miles away and this will take us about 48 hours. These are the first vessels for 3 days. We are in for a quiet but dry night motoring into a head wind. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT) 19/05/06 23:50hrs | |
We now have 405 miles to go to Bermuda. The weather forcast is good. Mostly light winds so it looks like the engine will get used a bit. We have a trough to go though but this will be light winds but we will have to beat before picking up the westerly wind behind it. Prognosis is good for the rest of the leg. It's still very hot on the boat and we are drinking a lot. Sometimes the sweat just pours off you. Today was better as we had 100% cloud cover but I still managed to get a little burnt. Our weather comes courtesy of Roger Cronin (friend), Herb who volenteers to do so on the radio and the US Government in New Orleans. We are very pleased with our radio and it works a lot better than most of the other yachts. Again the highlight of the day was a bird and a food carton that drifed by. Well that was until diner which was superb again. We fell on our feet in French St Martin. The local supermarket was used to suppling super yachts and found our order of meat very easy. Vacumne packed and frozen and of the finest quality. After the rest of the Caribbean with it's frozen chicken wings the tast of this meat is wonderful. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT) 19/05/06 01:20hrs | |
As you can see we have not made a lot of progress today. The wind dropped off about 11am and we are rolling downwind at 4 knots. This will continue tomorrow and possibley most of the next day. The good news is that the bad weather that is ahead of us is decreasing and boats are starting to move toward Bermuda having been hove too for 2 days. It not being possible to enter their port in a gale. Robin is now up and about having got over his heat stroke. Haven't seen or heard another vessel on the VHF since 2 am. Sea birds sometimes pop by for a chat. The highlight of the day was a box floating past! Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT) 18/05/06 | |
We have had a good run today. This morning we were averaging 7knts but the wind has dropped so we are now doing 5.6 knts. We expect to continue at this rate for the next 36 hours and then a little more wind. We are down loading the weather charts from New Orleans and getting other weather. Our SSB is working well and have been talking to 'Herb' in Canada. He gives advice to all yacht on the best route to take. We didn't expect to see any other vessels until Bermuda but now the sea is calmer we have spotted another yacht about 3 miles behind us so will have company thiughout the night. While talking to Herb we heard 3 other yachts that we know do the same but they are well ahead of us. Richard, Robin and Brian |
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| Date (GMT) 14/02/06 | |
Since I last wrote we have been to Bequai, Canouan,Tobago Cays and Union Island. The weather is changing from rain and strong winds to rain and little wind. For several days we stayed in Bequai out of the winds. The winds themselves weren't a problem it was the northerly seas that made anchoring uncomfortable. The rain comes though in sharp showers. As quickly as the hatches are shut they have finished. At night we now keep the hatches shut otherwise we are in and out of bed all night. Bequai is a tourist Island with good waterside restaurants and bars which make that late afternoon tea or beer very pleasant. We walked over most of the Island. At Canouan it was very different. The Island is much smaller with only 2 big expensive hotels. A small bottle of beer is £3.50 compared with a local's bar of 50 pence. We now look for the locals bar. We are always made welcome as they don't get many tourists and we meet people and get the inside track. We are began to realize that all the Island have a big fishing center paid for by the Japanese. This is because the still do whaling out here. On to Tobago Cays which are very small Islets surrounded by reefs. Navigation here is not hard but needs to be accurate. The winds was a constant 18 knots but the reefs sheltered us from the Atlantic swell so we had a small chop on the bow. The waters are clear and on the reefs the snorkeling is good. During the 2 days we were there we saw 3 young turtles and thousands of fish. On the second night the wind went up to about 30 knots and a large catamaran drugged it's anchor heading our way. Luckily the yacht next to us saw it and sound the alarm. All the boats crews were awake because of the wind so the situation was bought under control quickly in a very crowed anchorage. We now leave the keys in the starter at night and use the deck light instead of the anchor light. As there was not going to be a reduction in the wind we ran down wind under a No3 genoa to Clifton on Union Island. A pleasant town with good facilities provided you don't want repairs. We did as our windlass terminally gave up. We are now on our way to Martinique to get a new one. It is essential out here. We went for along walk along the Islands main road. Moving aside to let the occasional bus pass listening to the bird song. At a small town (village) the skies opened and a local took pity on us and invited us into his small play school. The owner was a professional teacher and the equipment first rate. Eventually we caught a bus back to Clifton. As I started to type this we were in the lee of St Vincent but are now in open waters between the island and St Lucia. From sitting in comfort i am now braced against the Atlantic swells as we motor in very light winds. It will be like this for about 4 more hours. Now unpleasant just a bit bouncy so I am going to stop now. The new windlass has now been fitted. It is a new arrangement and works much better. So this morning we are at anchor off St Ann in Martinique. I was forced to go for a swim before breakfast as I have so much to do like ??????????????? Brian |
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| Date (GMT) 17/12/05 | |
Dear All, We think we have finally finally solved our communications problems so we can send e-mail again. The same rules apply as before. No pictures, attachments, wasted space ie nice paragraphs etc. Look forward to hearing from you. So what has happened to us since we last e'd you? The winds were light until we were south of the Cape Verde Islands where we picked up the Trade Winds and had very good speed across to St Lucia. On the way we had the decks littered with flying fish each morning and they smell! None were big enough to eat. We saw whales, killer whales (we think), frigate birds and more flying fish. The sailing was fast and easy with very few breakages. We raised the mountains of St Lucia on Sunday the 11 about 2 hours after dawn and were across the finishing line by 1030local (1430GMT). We were like all the other boats given a big welcome and a rum punch, fruit, a bottle of rum all, accompanied by live Caribbean music. We were the 132th boat to finish but we await the handicap results so hope to improve a bit. We have completed more maintenance and now are sitting back enjoying ourselves drinking rum, soaking up the sun, going to party events ( I will plead guilty to missing one though tiredness). Would we do it again? Yes. A trip not to be missed. Brian, Richard, Rita and Pauline |
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| Date (GMT) 15/12/05 | |
Dear All. We have arrived at last 111430GMT. We all agreed that it was the best sailing we have ever had. If you said "would you go again tomorrow?", I would answer "yes". St Lucia came up just after dawn as we sped towards it at nearly 8 knots. A green and very attractive island. The people here are very laid back but friendly. The Island has a lot to offer. We are getting to exchange small talk with boats we only heard on the radio. Land will seem very dull after waking to flying fish all over the deck. Dolphins swimming round the boat, whales swimming passed and killer whales catching their prey. Sailing downwind in 15/35 knots is great. Even the big ships are friendly. We saw 3 between 100 miles north of Cape Verdi and 50 miles west of St Lucia. We sometimes went 48 hours without seeing another yacht and 24 hours without hearing one on the radio apart from the noon check-in. Brian |
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| Date (GMT) 23/11/05 | Course over ground |
| Time (GMT) 08:45 | Speed over Ground |
| Latitude 24°18'N | True wind speed |
| Longitude 017°26'W | True wind direction |
Quiet night under poled out genoa. Ave speed 3 knots still going south. Bright sunny morning. Bernie, Richard and Brian |
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| Date (GMT) 21/11/05 | Course over ground |
| Time (GMT) 07:30 | Speed over Ground |
| Latitude 26°26.30'N | True wind speed |
| Longitude 015°17.00'W | True wind direction |
We had agood start in clear air about 45 secc after the gun. about 10/20th over line. A beat out from the shore for a spinnaker hoist. When we got it up the snap shackle at the head opened and down it came. We will recover the halyard today. Next hoist went perfect and we ranto the corner of the Island . Dopped the spinnaker with 3 munutes to spare before a 26 knot head wind hit us. 2 reefs in the No2 and main and off at 6 knots. By this time we were soaking wet. About 8pm the wind dropped to the true wind of 10 knots. A good sail a though the night we think gaining a bit. The noon position reports will tell us. Bernie had a bit of 'mal de mer' but is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning after strict but kindly orders to get her over it! Doing about 4.4 knots at present. Listened to 'Herb', a radio Ham who gives out good weather routing advice. Seems like we will be going S for anohter 25/36 hours to get the Trades and miss a Low. Bernie, Richard and Brian |
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| Date: 20/11/05 | |
| Follow Little Spirit's progress by logging onto the ARC website at www.worldcruising.net | |
| Date (GMT) 04/11/05 | Course over ground |
| Time (GMT) 21:52 | Speed over Ground |
| Latitude 28°07.59'N | True wind speed 26/30 |
| Longitude 015°25.51'W | True wind direction NE |
Arrived Las Palmas 2130 GMT. That squall lasted all day but made good sailing but did damage to a sail. No further postion reports till 20 Nov when we depart. Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 04/11/05 | Course over ground 210 |
| Time (GMT) 09:40 | Speed over Ground 7.0 |
| Latitude 29°14.76'N | True wind speed 26 |
| Longitude 014°48.94'W | True wind direction NE |
Delayed report due squall at dawn. ETA Las Palmas this evening/night. ARC support we will require an electrician. Charging problem. Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 03/11/05 | Course over ground 213 |
| Time (GMT) 09:14 | Speed over Ground 6.5 |
| Latitude 31°02.56'N | True wind speed |
| Longitude 013°17.68'W | True wind direction |
A quiet night. Still gaining on schdule.A novelty another yacht about 3 miles ahead on same course. eta Las Palmas 31hrs 44min. Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 02/11/05 | Course over ground 221 |
| Time (GMT) 08:37 | Speed over Ground 6.2 |
| Latitude 33°13.13'N | True wind speed |
| Longitude 011°39.87'W | True wind direction |
A quiet night. Now motor sailing. A little ahead of schdule. Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 01/11/05 | Course over ground 221 |
| Time (GMT) 09:20 | Speed over Ground 5.6 |
| Latitude 35°13.00'N | True wind speed |
| Longitude 010°10.11'W | True wind direction |
A quiet night. Just stars since 4am. Engine is working hard and the repair looks good.We did pick up the Carribean weather from NAVTEX in San Juan.Propogation must be good. Says a lot for NASA instruments. ETA Las Palmas 6 Nov. Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 31/10/05 | Course over ground 210 |
| Time (GMT) 10:29 | Speed over Ground 5 |
| Latitude 37°03.64'N | True wind speed |
| Longitude 008°40.20'W | True wind direction |
Depared Lagos ETA Las Palmas 6 Nov. Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 16/10/05 | Course over ground 0 |
| Time (GMT) 20:20 | Speed over Ground 0 |
| Latitude 37°06.42'N | True wind speed 8 |
| Longitude 008°40.43'W | True wind direction SE |
Arraived Lagos. Pleasent sail in empty waters. Swell up to 3 meter at times. 4 hours on motor. Dolphins again at dusk. John, Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 16/10/05 | Course over ground 190 |
| Time (GMT) 06:17 | Speed over Ground 5 |
| Latitude 37°57.03'N | True wind speed 8 |
| Longitude 008°51.97'W | True wind direction SE |
Departed Sines @ 0700 for Lagos about 80 miles. John, Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 14/10/05 | Course over ground 0 |
| Time (GMT) 21:41 | Speed over Ground 0 |
| Latitude 37°57.03'N | True wind speed 12/20 |
| Longitude 008°51.97'W | True wind direction N |
Arrived Sines with good wind of force 4/5 from the N so a downhill run. Dolphin splayed with us after dark as the moonlight sparkled on the water. John, Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 14/10/05 | Course over ground 0 |
| Time (GMT) 10:16 | Speed over Ground 0 |
| Latitude 38°41.34'N | True wind speed 12/20 |
| Longitude 009°11.81'W | True wind direction N |
Departed Lisbon 1000gmt for Sines about 60 miles south. John, Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 10/10/05 | Course over ground 0 |
| Time (GMT) 15:31 | Speed over Ground 0 |
| Latitude 38°42.05'N | True wind speed 0 |
| Longitude 009°10.25'W | True wind direction SE |
No am report today due electrical failure. Now arrived Lisbon. Bumpy overnight and this morning. John, Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 09/10/05 | Course over ground 127 |
| Time (GMT) 17:05 | Speed over Ground 6 |
| Latitude 39°50.41'N | True wind speed 14 |
| Longitude 009°33.50'W | True wind direction SE |
The wind backed and we went out into the Atlantic again. We are now going into the coast and will hold this course for another 2 hours. Tack and later tonight put the motor on to avoid the big ship lane. Hopefully still aimimg for monday morning in Lisbon. John's cooking as he is best at it. Duck for dinner. John, Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 08/10/05 | Course over ground 180 |
| Time (GMT) 17:25 | Speed over Ground 6 |
| Latitude 41°45.71'N | True wind speed 7 |
| Longitude 010°10.35'W | True wind direction NW |
So far today we have only sailed for a couple of hours. The fog is back, vis 4 miles and decreasing. John, Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 07/10/05 | Course over ground 210 |
| Time (GMT) 17:42 | Speed over Ground 6.5 |
| Latitude 43°51.20'N | True wind speed 16 |
| Longitude 009°48.50'W | True wind direction SE |
We must have been in the only fog in Biscay. Will round north west Spain during the night. John, Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 07/10/05 | Course over ground 185 |
| Time (GMT) 07:46 | Speed over Ground 6.5 |
| Latitude 44°46.12'N | True wind speed 16 |
| Longitude 008°28.08'W | True wind direction SE |
A quiet night with good wind about 15 knots starting in the E and going SE as expected. John, Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 06/10/05 | Course over ground 205 |
| Time (GMT) 18:05 | Speed over Ground 6.5 |
| Latitude 46°55.48'N | True wind speed 13 |
| Longitude 008°28.08'W | True wind direction E |
We are starting to settle down to life on board. Books are coming out and good food cooked. Very little excitement today as we are not in the shiping lanes so only 2 ships today, one small bird on deck and a degree in toilet unblocking for me. Don't ask who was responsible? I don't know. It's getting warmer, shirtsleeves all afternoon and possible no thermals tonight. John, Richard & Brian. |
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| Date (GMT) 06/10/05 | Course over ground 205 |
| Time (GMT) 07:25 | Speed over Ground 5.2 |
| Latitude 46°55.46'N | True wind speed 8 |
| Longitude 007°36.84'W | True wind direction E |
A quiet night. We are now in deep water having left the Continental Shelf. The sea is smooth with a light wind. We will motor for about 2 hours to charge the batteries. As I type a very large ketch has appeared going north just to cause a little excitement. |
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| Date (GMT) 05/10/05 | Course over ground 205 |
| Time (GMT) 18:40 | Speed over Ground 5.2 |
| Latitude 47°52.84'N | True wind speed 13 |
| Longitude 006°40.08'W | True wind direction E |
The day started well with a force 3/4 from the east and the wind has held steady. We spotteddd QM2 of Ustant and shortly after a basking shark. We have been in company all day with a tug towing a large crane and many ship. Just before tea dolphins played around the bow for about 30 minutes and returned at dusk. We are about 70 miles SW of Ushant |
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| Date (GMT) 05/10/05 | Course over ground 205 |
| Time (GMT) 05:20 | Speed over Ground 5.2 |
| Latitude 50°37.77'N | True wind speed 13 |
| Longitude 001°55.38'W | True wind direction E |
About 45 miles NW of Ouiessant NW France |
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