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31o 30.9’N 71o 52.4’W
Here we are then, 4 men in a boat, 5th day at sea. Up until an hour ago I could have said that the sea and wind conditions had drastically calmed. Last night we had to have the big chuggy thing downstairs running to keep us moving in the right direction. Now we’ve got it running again but for completely different reasons .. we are in the middle of a rainstorm with 24kts winds blowing at us straight onto the nose .. ah well, variety is the spice of life.
The temperature has dropped significantly as well to the point that Mark and I are wearing our trousers and the septics are wearing their pants. As I write the thingy whats’name on the wall has just clicked over to tell us that we have 300 miles to go.
Crew’s news – Having spent the majority of the first 3 days asleep, Mike spent almost the whole of yesterday awake although there was a bit of a relapse this morning. The good news is that he has managed to sort out the Sat Phone/Email problem so we are back in contact with the world.
Mark continues to amaze us with his knowledge and abilities. He has been able to answer every nautical question put to him (Not difficult in present company: Ed) and, so far, has fixed (sorry “maintained”) the diesel engine, the electric lights, the odometer and the stove. Mind you, we are a bit disappointed that he hasn’t got the needle and thread out to repair (sorry “maintain”) the mizzen sail that split along a seam three days ago.
Stewart, the all American boy, continues to throw himself into everything with vigour. In 5 short (?) days he has gone from cabin boy to navigator (he’s got his own GPS thingy) to fish finder general (caught the only fish so far) to Antenna Man (see yesterdays blog) and is now champing at the bit to make some bread and become Jem’s answer to the Pilsbury Doughboy.
Me – I’m just happy with the little things in life. Like getting 5 hours sleep last night and like winning yesterdays sweepstake on distance covered noon to noon. My prize – we have to lose an hour between here and Bermuda and I get to choose when that happens … hmm, my next 3am to 6am watch is a distinct possibility.
We have been told by Louise that there have been so many hits on this blog site that it has crashed. Nice to know that so many people are interested. Stay with us folks, more to follow…
Just as a foot note to those who haven’t had the chance to sail across the Atlantic in a 44ft yacht, I would like to describe the incredible scenery that we are passing through at the moment … water!
FOR PHOTOS CLICK ON ... http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/Yacht.Jem/AtlanticCrossing
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