All night they had a 20-25 knot wind right on the nose, if I understood correctly. Please, you sailors in our midst, correct my terminology if I speak nonsense, but Bill was very tired from a night with very little sleep, and he couldn't explain much. What I understood is that the wind swung around to Northerly and then north-easterly, which means it was blowing from exactly the direction they were going to, I think he called it "close-reaching" wind, and they were trying to sail as close to the wind as they could (45 degrees, I think), which meant a lot of sail adjustments and it was also very wet. I assume there's a lot of waves breaking at them in such a situation. But I think he also said it rained, not sure.
(I think I heard Tom saying that Bill came down to the cabin yesterday saying he'd engaged in exercise of futility by cursing the wind.)
Anyway, this morning the wind suddenly died completely, so they started motoring and now they're in good spirits, despite the lack of sleep and wind, because they have plenty of fuel and they have only 960 miles to go!They're going to call Rick tonight and get a course from him that will hopefully give them some wind. Bill said he thinks they might make it home by Sunday.
(Do you all get the feeling that these tough guys are missing their Ithaca big time?..)
Have a good week, everybody, pray for wind!!!!
Martha, how was your marathon, please tell us!
Nomi
1 comments:
Hi Nomi and all!
I am just getting back today from my ride and I can say I know how Bill feels when he curses the wind! There is much to tell, too much to tell here, but the most important is that I made it intact and without injury. I was as blessed by weather and conditions as could be, luckily (since I'm not sure otherwise I would have made it.).
Anyhow, looking forward to seeing you all this weekend, maybe even bill!
Love, martha
Post a Comment