Hi everyone,
We are currently in position 34 18N 058 04W, motorlng at 5 knots on a course of 080M. The wind is WNW at 2-4 knots with calm sea and 1m swell. We have been motoring since 0900. Broken high cloud with scattered cumulus Our day's run was 116nm, our DMG was 98nm and we have 1440nm to go.
The wind has been gradually easing since yesterday afternoon. By 1800 yesterday we under full sail and were having a very nice sail under mostly sunny skies. We had full sail up until midnight when the wind freshened and we put in the first reef and a couple of furls. By 0300 we had full sail again.
This morning the wind steadily died. We had expected two days of good wind followed by a day with very light winds so having to motor isn't a surprise. We're motoring because the outlook is for good wind for at least a week once we get through this light patch - so we can spare the fuel. The batteries and all equipment are getting a good charge.
In the sunnier conditions we've been seeing more wildlife. We've seen quite a few "sailing jellyfish", or at least that's what we think they are. They look like a light plastic toy initially but when you pass close you can see they are a jellyfish with an apparently inflated "sail" above the water. They appear to be able to "tack" the sail. Amazing adaptation!
We're also seeing quite a few birds but no passengers yet. Some birds follow close in our wake and pluck treats from our wake. Others fly around ahead of us looking for food. We've seen them diving on fish we probably alarmed. Tropic birds fly around us trying to find a spot to alight but always loose their bottle and "go around" for another try. This morning I saw a pair of birds flying around us in close formation, barely flapping their wings as they surfed the low swell. Beautiful.
Trust all's well where you are.
The jellyfish sound like Portuguese Men of War, don't be tempted to swim near them!
ReplyDeleteThey are called Velella, or the By-the-Wind Sailors. Velella typically live far offshore in open ocean waters, and their little sails help distribute them using the force of the wind. However because they sail only downwind or at a slight angle to the wind, they are often blown ashore in very high numbers, with millions piling onto beaches in drift rows.
ReplyDeleteVelella are not dangerous to humans. They can sting and capture small prey.