More news from the FCS crew as they sail from Antigua to Portsmouth, almost one week in they are finding their feet, although footholds would be more helpful if that pesky wind blew in the right direction! Mate’s report first and then messages from the crew.
Date :14 January 2018
Time : 12:00 GMT
Position : 33.33 N 53.59W
Destination Horta
We have continued beating North throughout the night with a variety of wind strengths from 8knts to 35knts, we have managed to edge East despite the unfavourable wind direction. The crew are helming well and we are slowly progressing in the right direction.
The latest Grib file suggests that the wind strength will ease later today as we hit the somewhat fragmented southern end of the Azores High. It is therefore our intention to motor at this point to make up some much needed Easterly direction. The water maker is working well and we will continue to run it during our period of motoring tonight.
The crew are in very good spirits despite day 4 at 45 degrees, people are starting to get used to the routine and are slowly developing ways of negotiating their way around the boat without too much flying although I did see a bowl of flying Rice Crispies this morning. Looking forward to flatter seas and more Easterly miles.
Regards
Nick, Mate, Challenger 2
Message from the Crew – Day6 Blog 13/01/2018
(jab et al) Alone, alone, all alone/ Alone on a wide wide sea/ And never a saint need pity on, my soul in ecstasy/ (which also pines for thee) – after STC
Hi Team Sarah, Kirsty & Harry.
Day six and the honeymoon is definitely over. The wind has been against us for several days so we have had to sail as close as we can which means a bouncy choppy ride and that’s just above. Below is like a tumble drier. All well we should be in Horta in 8/9 days.
The crew have taken really well and are working hard in such bizarre conditions. Watching a sausage fly across the room from ones plate on to Ian`s head keeps the spirits up.
I have my sleeping area sorted this time and have made it my little Buddha’s paradise. Sleep is limited with everything going on, plus the most bizarre dreams every time.
I am behaving and being all grown up like you told me to. Still early days. Hope all is well at home and Harry is looking out for you. Remember Don’t give him the business card to play with this time.
Love you all.
Daddy Bear.
Hi Team Sarah, Kirsty & Harry.
Don’t believe him, he is the biggest kid of all,
Member of Daddy Bears Watch
How can you explain what this feels like, Nearly a week in and I don’t think I could adequately convey what living and sailing a boat across the Atlantic is like, moving about is punishing, everything is always uphill, from an optimistic point of view, it’s a great full body workout if you are an orangutan.
Sleep is an unfaithful friend, not there when you have the opportunity off watch, and always lurking around waiting to get you when you are on watch.
Clothing, this should be easy right? But no such luck, one wave is all it takes to soak a clean set of clothes that has only been on for 5 minutes, so let’s go back the least crusty shorts that are almost dry. Do I have the right amount to last me for another 3 weeks, only time will tell?
No such thing as a weekend at sea, just gotta keep on trucking, with the distant exotic locations of Portsmouth beckoning, us with fish and chips and cold beer, ordered a delivered in 5 minutes to be eat while the floor doesn’t move. Or sat at a level table.
The constant noise and motion, I can liken to living on a London Underground train, without stations.
May you live in interesting times.
Love and Hugs to Lesley, Budgie .
Let’s Hang on!
The good news for the crew is that I haven’t fallen on anybody for 24 hours. This is in no way down to conditions improving but more to do with me learning how to hang onto rails with a little more grim determination. Being manhandled by Steve also helps. As has been said by others, this is a rollercoaster ride, big time.
On a culinary note, praise should be extended to Nigel and Ben who produced an excellent meal of lamb meatballs the other day. They were truly excellent. In fact, I think Ben and Nigel’s Meatballs has a bit of a ring about it – a bit like Cross and Blackwell.
All well here. Love to all.
Howard x
