One Man, One Boat, 4000 Miles!!!

Tropic 4 Cancer Trans Atlantic challenge is an expedition to sail single-handed 4000 miles across the Atlantic, from the western seaboard of Africa to Antigua. The route follows a defined course along the Tropic of Cancer, which is a circle of latitude running around the Earth at approximately 23 degrees north, and which marks the most northerly position at which the sun may appear directly overhead. Find Out More

Day 9 – “Gains and Pains”

Posted on November 11th, 2013

calm ocean

The last 24hrs have been an epic struggle between two stubborn opponents – one small and loud (me!), the other big and silent (the weather!) and poor little Haskapa was the pawn in the middle!!

Weather forecasts are only forecasts (Michael Fish, no hurricane, etc) and what happens in reality can vary considerably. I planned out my route leaving L Gomera based on the forecasts, and opted to slide along the coast before intending to move out SW into the Atlantic. The winds were forecast to be a bit lighter there, but favourable.

 

In hindsight, a better decision might have been to take a bit of short term pain and to have headed south first, which would have probably saved me from the battle last night. Instead, with the wind flow being completely disturbed by the islands, I was left with no wind and a very sloppy sea state. This triggered much cursing from me, as I tried to get the sails set properly – and frequently whilst sailing the same course I was close hauled and then running within the space of five minutes (pulling the sails in and out for non yotties!). Deeply annoying!!

Finally in the wee small hours, I retired to my pit muttering lots of colourful language, and left Haskapa to get on with it!! She evidently struck a deal, because fairly soon after that we started plodding along quite happily!! I guess the lesson is not to force things – simpatico!!