Hi everyone,
We are currently in position 46 21N 007 23W, sailing at 4 knots on a course of 190M. The wind is 6-10 knots from the ENE. There's scattered high-level cloud with the sun mostly shining. The air temperature is 13C and the water 14C.
Since yesterday afternoon we've been "off soundings" (beyond the continental shelf). Feels like ocean sailing when the depth sounder can't see the bottom. Always reminds me of Pete Goss's classic statement along the lines of 'no matter how bad the situation there's land only a mile or two away - straight down'!
MarineTraffic view showing Ushant-Finistere traffic
We sailed for about 6 hours yesterday afternoon/evening before the wind died again. While sailing we approached the Ushant - Finistere shipping lane. Unfortunately there was an oil rig under (very long) tow by tugs right in our path and at the same speed, plus a series of higher speed cargo vessels streaming past. So we gybed and headed west for a while. Later in the evening we gybed back before the wind died and the motor came on again.
Last night we were treated to a spectacular display of bioluminecence in our wake. It extended at least a boat length behind us with a lovely green glow overlaid with intense green spots. Meanwhile overhead the starscape was magnificent, including a couple of satellite sightings.
Dodging Traffic
As our tack above shows, we aligned ourselves with traffic to let them pass. Strange how traffic so often appears in widely separated groups. 'Births of a feather' perhaps. We're now almost across the lane which is clearly differentiated into Finistere-bound traffic to the NW and Ushant traffic to the SE. It is a good 15nm across, and with our oblique course it took all night to get across.
We resumed sailing half an hour ago. Looking forward to the wind settling in from the E for at least the next 24 hours.
Trust all's well where you are.
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