Antigua to Portsmouth Day 4: The Real Sailing Begins

Today the real sailing began. Following a windless night motoring through an inky black sea and dense cloud cover, the wind came through around 4am. Those on watch shook out the reefed main and hoisted the yankee and staysail.

We were soon powering to windward at around 8 knots. Two tacks were thrown in to keep those down below on their toes, but perhaps not in their bunks! The off watch crews found plenty to moan about as the grinding of winches and whipping of sheets on the deck above made it sound like we were being boarded by Caribbean pirates.

That set the pattern and Challenger 4 has been heeled at 30+ degrees all day making good progress towards Horta in bright sunshine and white horses; although not necessarily by the most direct route as some were chasing top speeds instead of making the best course ordered by the skipper.

That 30+ degrees of heel made life very difficult for the mother watch as it is akin to cooking and cleaning inside an off balanced washing machine. Going to the heads is also a major challenge in these conditions. So much so the skipper implored all members of the crew to please sit down to pee.

This is not just for sanitary reasons but also to avoid any sudden lurch leading to embarrassing injuries or being left in a compromising position and needing rescue by Sue, the skipper.

Whilst it was difficult for us down below, those on deck were making it difficult for themselves by performing a text book example of how not to change headsails. Yankee number 1 is currently lashed to the deck in a God awful jumble, we assume waiting for the mother watch to go and sort it out. Well, for the record, that is not going to happen tonight!

As to the general health of the crew, most have gained their sea legs and are feeling fine. We are pleased to report there have been no injuries apart from a slightly stubbed toe, the owner of which was heard screaming for an epidural for the pain.

Instead he got a cup of tea and access to the biscuit box which promptly lead him to forget the pain and start doing press ups.

We are currently passing over the North American Basin having covered 870 nautical miles.

Myles, Chris, Merja

Ryan ‘the Canadian’

PS The Canadian who allegedly lost his fishing gear over the side due to a massive strike on the lure admits now he dropped it in shock when he saw his bunk mate’s leopard skin budgie smugglers hanging from the rail. His attire is not that surprising given he hails from the Wye ‘front’ Valley.

Challenger 4 Midday Report

Date : 13/01/19
Time : 12:00 UT
Position 7W : Destination :Horta
ETA :Jan 22nd – according to the GPS
DTF : 1495NM
Fuel : 3 full, 1 in use
Water : 3 full, 1 in use
Gas : 1 empty, 3 full, 1 in use
Sailplan: 1 Reef, Y1 & Stay,
Wind: NE, 18 kts True

Dear All

After disappointing wind conditions yesterday Sunday has provided us with a good start of around 20kts of true. We have been consistently maintaining between 8 – 9kts SOG albeit in a northerly direction. The aim is to continue north to make the best to the wind and eek out as much east of north as possible, the wind is due to veer later today.

Progress is still good and the crew are all happy and more to the point all healthy.

The mother watch have been doing a great job of both cooking and keeping the boat spotless something that is very dear to our hearts after the Jolly Harbour plague. Everyone has settled into the boat routine and are enjoying sailing and having no engine noise.

Bread making is on the cards for today hopefully our mothers can match Tom the W/L’s contribution from yesterday.

 
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More blogs about this Atlantic Adventure can be read here: Portsmouth to Gran Canaria