Are we nearly there….?!

We are approaching the midway point. Hard to believe. I used to think that mid way was the point beyond which it was just not sensible to think about going back to the departure point, but should proceed forwards to the Caribbean. But the effects of the wind and the currents make that decision one to be made very much earlier; a decision taken by a number of boats who suffered mechanical and electrical problems, and went into Cape Verde for repairs before it was too late.

If evidence were needed that onwards is the better solution to adversity, see below the messages from ARC rally control received yesterday:

Dear ARC Skippers,

During the evening of Sunday 27th of November, SY Take Off suffered structural failure to their mast. This resulted in the loss of the whole mast. JRCC Cabo Verde and rally control were informed and assistance from Aphrodite I was provided. A number of other yachts in the area were also made aware of the situation being on standby if needed. Take Off have been able to clear the debris from the yacht and are now motoring west towards the Caribbean. They plan to rendezvous with a US registered ship later today when a decision will be made about any onward journey. At present there is no immediate need of extra support, but they will require additional diesel should the decision be taken to motor towards the Caribbean. Rally control will keep the fleet informed as more information becomes available.

End quote.

Later on we received the following message:

Quote.

We are pleased to report that two crew have been safely transferred from Take Off to US Naval Vessel Ronald Brown. Take Off will continue their passage westwards to Saint Lucia under engine. Thank you to all yachts that have offered help providing extra fuel. Your offers to help have been logged, and those offering fuel (particularly in jerry cans) will be kept informed of requirements once the quantities required have been confirmed in more detail.

In other news.
In Canary Islands: Karibu (84), Makhanee, Freolii and Andromeda have all retired from the Rally.

Late Starter Mola, currently just north of Maderia and still hope to be in Saint Lucia by the prize giving!

Diverting to Mindelo:
Katy – electrical problems, should arrive tonight.

In Mindelo effecting repairs:
Albatros, Artemis, Dark ‘n Stormy, Dream Away, Beluga and Vitamin Sea.

Malolo leads the fleet with Catarsis and Chilli Pepper next, while Alchemy the Nordhaven 72 is maintaining a steady 8kts along the rhumb line.

Wishing you all a safe and comfortable passage onwards to Saint Lucia.

End quote.

So whilst it’s a very large ocean, there are very many vessels around to offer assistance!

I’ve said before that on my previous transatlantic, we only came across two vessels in the entire three weeks. Contrast this passage, where we have spent almost every night overtaking or being overtaken by other vessels, both in the ARC and not. Last night we overtook two vessels, one at 750 yards away. We were both sailing dead downwind, and as our headsail was poled out on both sides, it was difficult to manoeuvre further away from them without the sails slamming. Determining distance between boats at night is incredibly difficult, and had it not been for the electronic systems on board, I would’ve been very nervous.

The weather forecast is for continuing E winds, which will take us to our destination hopefully with out much further manoeuvring. The sea state continues to disappoint. A large high-pressure system offshore Nova Scotia and Newfoundland is causing a swell front to extend down from the northern Atlantic SW’d. As it reaches us, the swell will elevate. Seas are forecast to build quickly as the front approaches us going from 7 to 8 feet tall above 10 feet. This will also produce isolated squalls, but thankfully the most significant squalls are due further W. That means that we will have to change over the sails tonight, from the BWR to goose winged head sail and mainsail. They’re able to take stronger gusts, and they can also be reefed much more easily than the BWR.

So always eventful.

On other news, we all have clean pants!