Greetings from the FPB Wind Horse where there are now significantly more ocean astern than ahead. The last few days we have been concentrating our intellectual resources on weather routing. We have the tools to make this a pleasant passage in spite of the unusual weather, if we use them correctly. Hence an obsession with grib files, weather faxes, local conditions, and our good luck totem.

On a long passage like the ARC transatlantic there are many factors which affect the speed at which we choose to run. On a normal tradewind crossing, where wind and waves are behind us, and weather avoidance a minor issue, the first parameter is always going to be comfort. Generally speaking, the quicker we proceed the less the boat reacts to the seas

Another part of comfort are noise and vibration. We can run at 1600 to 1650 RPM, ten knots, and barely know the engines are on. Speed up to 1850 RPM, 11.25 knots, and the noise level increases slightly, to the point where we want to get something back like schedule, weather avoidance, or mitigation of motion if a big sea is running.

Mileage is not a consideration, even though it is more efficient to cruise slow than fast. Our cost of operation is so low the small savings from reducing boat speed is not a factor. Likewise range, with a nominal 5000 mile at eleven knots is not something we take into account.

Over the years as our sailboats became faster we got “luckier” with the weather. The 78 foot ketch Beowulf, was the ultimate weather machine, consistently making quick, trouble free passages, because she was fast enough to make the weather work for her, rather than accepting what was dished out.

Which brings us to the 25th ARC and its abnormal weather pattern. We have been able to avoid unpleasantness by running at 11.2 knots through the water (plus or minus current). This has allowed us to get through two fronts early in their development, before they could build significant seas. A half a knot less in boat speed from the start, 50 to 100 miles difference, and conditions would have been much different.
11.25 knots on an 81 foot/24.8m waterline works out to a speed length ratio of 1.25 which may sound high to you. We can operate efficiently at such a high SLR because of our hull shape and displacement.

There is also a fun factor with speed. All other things being equal, fast is always more fun than slow. Once we get into the trades, and they are promised two days hence, surfing will become the dominant factor. Depending on wave size and period, it is often better to kick up the revs a touch as this helps maintain longer surfs, during which fuel burn drops even as speed goes up.

We may have passed our last weather hurdle this morning. The breeze has clocked to the northwest and is blowing six to eight knots. Clouds to the north and a new north swell indicate this will increase and continue clocking, more or less as hoped. A southeasterly swell is giving us a slight push. If we were aboard Beowulf now we’d be thinking about a mizzen headsail for later today. We are presently aimed straight at St. Lucia – no more wandering off the great circle looking for optimal wind angles and velocity.
All is well aboard Wind Horse. The situation in the engine room is copacetic. One minor crisis arose early this morning when the peanut butter jar was temporarily lost in the fridge. As of 12Z today we have 1183 nautical miles to go.

Position: 18 05’38.30 N, 040 13’25.86 W