And then the champagne ran out.
At noon today we were at 10 39N 046 00W steering 255M, motoring at 5 knots. The wind was 6G8 from the E. Our noon to noon run by the log was 105nm. 980nm to Antigua.
Motoring over a nearly glassed-out sea
Yesterday afternoon the champagne sailing continued, but with an ominously decreasing wind. By midnight we were struggling. By 0300 this morning we were doing only 2 knots and the sails were slatting badly. On went the motor. And it's still going 12 hours later.
On the positive side the batteries are now fully charged and we had Starlink on all day. The latter allowed us to catch up on news etc, albeit for a price (since we have Mobile Priority turned on).
In calm conditions like this we motor at about 1500 rpm. This gives the best speed:dB ratio. OK speed and not too loud. At any RPM the engine is noisy on any small boat so it ain't fun. At present the wind is from astern and matching our speed so we're motoring along in a self-generated cloud of diesel fumes.
Hopefully the 'blue hole' will fill in with breeze soon. Here's the current situation with the big depression to the N to blame for the light winds in our area...
Into the Blue Hole
By Tuesday we should certainly be back sailing. Tomorrow's outlook is uncertain. Meanwhile our little Craftsman CM3.27 is purring away nicely.
Trust all's well where you are.
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