Saturday 14 January 2012

Atlantic Crossing - DAY 11

Hi from Clare, Friday 13th January 2012

All is well on Eye Candy

In the past 24 hours we have sailed 141 miles. Our spinnaker run came to an end last night when the wind quickened to 20 plus knots as forecast. The swell is 2M and the boat speed is 6-7K. It is a bit of a bumpy ride at present.

The highlight of the day is that we have now completed three quarters of the trip. At this stage we look like arriving into Barbados sometime on Monday.

Today's background information is on boat to boat communication.
We have been in daily contact with other boats crossing the Atlantic. We have formed a radio net at 10.00 GMT that we have named the "Magellan Net". At present we have 17 boats in contact but we have had as many as 30 plus. Each day a different yacht is the "Net Controller" and their job is to call each yacht in turn for their Lat/Long position and sea conditions. There is also an opportunity to ask for any help or advice needed and to have a social chat. It is a good way to meet people. There is a good chance you will meet again at anchor one day. Once the boats reach Barbados they drop off this net and join the Caribbean net. It has been both interesting and comforting to have this contact during the crossing.

Well due to the swell I am just about being thrown out of my seat. I am typing with one hand and holding on to the computer with the other. So until tomorrow (when fishing recommences)

Cheers from the Atlantic Team
A, B, C.

At 5:09 AM13/01/2012 (utc) our position was 13°39.03'N 050°16.08'W

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