ARC 2010 Passage – The Race Is On

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Position: 26 11’23.09 N, 021 38’42.83 W. This morning’s sunrise was particularly spectacular. We had a wonderful light show in the east, followed by the full moon setting in the west

 

Now in our second night at sea, we are settling into the comfort of our well worn seagoing routine. Meals are a focal point, and we are catching up on rest, reading, taking a few photos, and keeping watch both outside and in the engine room.

 

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The fleet is well behind us for now. The big Swan was just nine miles back last night at midnight, but we put 40 miles on her so far today. We may need the distance to hold her off if we ever get into the trades.

 

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The real race right now is between us and an oncoming trough with it associated headwinds. As this matures it will spread discomfort and dismay – this is supposed to be a downwind passage. With a steady 11 knots of boat speed it may be possible to move through the headwinds while they are still light. Time will tell.

 

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Posted by Steve Dashew  (November 23, 2010)




5 Responses to “ARC 2010 Passage – The Race Is On”

  1. Bill Says:

    Great job, Steve. I’ve been following the ARC progress – particularly you and Moonshadow, who just seems to be in cruising mode at the moment.
    Would you please describe the items on your bridge, from left to right, and how you use them for watch-keeping at sea?
    Thanks, Bill


  2. Steve Dashew Says:

    Hi Bill:
    Re bridge items, described before in detail, so won’t repeat here. Go back over the last 8/12 weeks and you will find what you need.


  3. Wayne Simmons Says:

    Watching the progress. Wish we were in it. Enjoyed your troubleshooting sequence on the prop and engine revs.


  4. Warren Cottis Says:

    Hi Steve

    I assume that the green line on the tracker is the rhumb line so I am curious that the bulk of the fleet is well south of it yet the breeze doesn’t look any better?

    What do you make of it?

    Cheers
    Warren


  5. Steve Dashew Says:

    Hi Warren:
    The bulk of t he fleet are hunting the trades on the usual sailing course.