Another Gale Warning

January 23, 2017: Sunset

A good night last night as well. I was able to get the sails set well, and the boat went upwind well. We were not going fast enough to catch up, but the boat was sailing well, and sometimes that must be reward enough.

I slept a variety of naps, getting up as usual about very hour to take a look. My best time for sleeping is in the early morning, 0400-0800 approximately. When I awoke to a different motion of the boat, I knew I had to get up, but I just wanted to cry and to stay where I was, warm, in the sleeping bag, a stocking cap over my eyes to keep it dark, soft cushion, relaxed muscles. I was so, so tired, after the 12 sail changes yesterday, including going from 3rd to 2nd and then 2nd to 1st reefs, and then 1st to full main, the first two essentially without stopping. 500 revolutions in medium gear, or 1000 in low gear, take your pick. But I got up, as I always do. When the boat needs your attention, you must go, now.

We’ve tacked to head Northeast. We will get wind and just received a gale warning from the Inmarsat-C for our position. I can’t believe it. We just would like a few straightforward sailing days…

Position
35° 39’S x 43° 40’W
Course
62° True
Speed
8 knots
Log
22,708 nm
True Wind Speed
14 knots
True Wind Direction
21°
Sails (click for diagram)
Mainsail (1 reef), Solent
Air temperature
68°F / 20°C
Sea temperature
75°F / 23.8°C