Commodore
February 9, 2023

Thursday 9 February – the wind runs out

What a surprise to wake up and find that we are leading the pack of World Arc boats. We are officially second, the boat in first position is an American Catamaran Leviathan, that left a few days before us, they have dogs on board so cannot go to the Galapagos. They are heading directly to the Marquesa islands. For those interested in tracking us, like on our trans Atlantic, you can follow us on the YB Races App, search for 2023 Routes, then select World Arc 23 – Circumnavigators. Jonny clocked our boat speed at 21 knots surfing down a wave, I must say I did wake up at that point as we were being swung from side to side by Baby Spice. But the little spinnaker was a star overnight and although she looks rather weird up, she did an amazing job surging us to the front of the fleet. Lots of keen racers in the fleet, including the big British Oyster Isabel, and the Dutch Oyster Amanzi.

By lunchtime the wind was dying down so Rowan decided it was time for the big sails. He got Ginger the Parasail out, after a second attempt at unravelling lines, the men finally got her up. She has an air vent just like a proper parachute that can spill the wind if it gets too much. She did very well while the wind lasted. We had a lovely sunset and just before dark we were dismayed to get her down as the wind had dropped below 5 knots. The forecast showing no winds for the next 4 days. We have hit the Doldrums! The engines are running.

We had a beef moussaka made in the slow cooker, using up some of our large supply of aubergines. Our large purchase of Hass avocados were a waste of time as we are having to throw most of them away. Our fruit salads of deliciously ripe pineapples, pawpaw (papaya), maracuya (large passion fruit) and cape gooseberries (physalis), are a staple of the daily menu.

It was an easy watch as we seem to be well away from shipping lanes and cargo boats. It appears to be just our Arc fleet in the surrounding waters.