SY Visions of Johanna Bermuda to Dingle, Ireland Crossing Day 5 - Welcome to the North Atlantic

DATE: Wednesday, 1 June, 2016, 09:00 AM Atlantic
SY Visions of Johanna Bermuda to Dingle, Ireland Crossing Day 5

North Atlantic Ocean
Position: 39 35.0 N/54 25.3.0 W
SOG 9.5 knots; COG 068 mag
TWS 22.7 kn; TWD: 270 mag

Conditions: We are broad reaching. Wind has clocked from WSW to west over night and has increased to 22 knots this morning, some higher gusts. Seas are over 4-6 feet. Mostly cloudy and Bar is 2024 mb. We changed to a north-easterly course late yesterday afternoon.

Current situation: As is often the case, sailing angles were predominant in our decision-making and by yesterday afternoon, we just could not hold an easterly course without too much south in it. Ken McKinley noted that even though the wind and seas might be a touch higher with the original WP's, seas might be a bit smoother in the GS with wind and current aligned, and the northerly route would also see an earlier shift to northerly winds. We went with that yesterday and jibed around to a port tack. We have been sailing as broad a reach as we can, with AWA 137 degrees. The wind has clocked 20 degrees overnite which has helped our cause. Pam reports we found the Gulf Stream at 0500 this morning, and we are moving powerfully with current and wind behind us, averaging better than 9.25 knots SOG at this point. We are sailing double reefed main and jib, and I have seen SOG of 12.4 knots surfing down waves. We will hiss along the tops of some swells and the boat will be steady, quiet, and seemingly still. Most of the time we are riding along comfortably, reacting a bit to the swells, modest roll to starboard, small roll to port. Then, once in a while, we will catch a swell and it will be off to the races as we surf down it's face. There is a bit more action and roll with the fast ride. Overall, nothing is static out here, and I am anticipating a NW wind by late afternoon, to north overnite. The continued clocking will also help our cause as we will be looking to return to an easterly course later today. We will need to balance boat speed, wind, and seas, for comfort as wind direction and COG change.

Tactical: At this time I anticipate passing 15 miles east of WP2 at 1300 hours today, and have WP3 in my sights, bearing 125 nm at 079 degrees mag.

This morning, Denis noted a wet galley sole and indeed, it was salty. That breaks rule #1!!! It seems that the the sink drain loosened from the pipe adapter under the sink. Sea water was backing up into the sink in these quartering conditions, and then leaking into the galley cabinet from the loose coupling - I've always said that racing and ocean passages will expose any weakness in your boat. Hypothesis is that maybe the plastic cleaning box that nestles in there was mobile enough to loosen the drain coupling? Who knows. Drain was tightened and it's dry now. Rule #1 restored.

And, in case anyone is concerned that the North Atlantic will crimp our culinary style, we are doing just fine, thank you (we have a secret weapon - thanks, mom). Lunch yesterday was grilled queso fresco cheese quesadillas with scallions and hot pepper jelly, and Trudy's lentil soup was commended by all. Dinner time was a bit bouncy (hold on to your plates), but fortunately Trudy's meatloaf was superb and easy to serve, with mashed potatoes and grilled broccoli florets with sesame oil and a dash of soy sauce. Andrew made certain that desert cookies were not neglected.

Nothing on AIS since yesterday afternoon, no sightings, nothing...it's a big ocean out here.

Less than 2000 nm to go.

All is well on-board.

Best wishes,

Bill Strassberg and crew, SY Visions of Johanna

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