Noon Position: L26^-58'N, Lo075^-26'W, or about 80 nm east and a little north of Marsh Harbour, The Abacos, The Bahamas.
Yesterday, after I fixed the ProFurler, my sailing speed was 5.7 kts,
and TRK 160^. Ever since then the TRK has been the same (astounding!)
and the speed slowly decreasing, until now I am going 3.5 kts. I don't
mind going slowly if the sea is calm, which it is, and Wendy can steer.
In fact, it has been a wonderful day. After the sun was up I got some
really good sleep, and then felt so good I did some much needed
cleaning. The boat has not been properly cleaned since some serious
maintenance and there was grime everywhere. It really is nice not having
rust dust on everything I touch. Much more is needed, but this much
makes me happy. An added surprise that also made me happy is that while
cleaning and sorting I found a loaf of bread which I had forgotten
about. So far supper has been rice-n-stuff. Some bread is a welcome
change.
The Bahamas Islands go down in a south east direction at
about 150^. That is the direction I want to go, down the Bahamas at
150^. On a close reach I think I can tack through 120^, which means as the wind changes I could go as far east as 90^ before I come about on to the other tack, which would give me
a new course of 210^. I do want to go west, but not until I get
somewhat south of my first entrance, which is still Marsh Harbour. My plan is to continue to
try to work my way in the 150^ direction until the backing wind pushes
me over to 90^. Then tack and go west, and see where I get to. Probably not farther
south because tomorrow's wind is forecasted to be from the south, which
means I can go basically east or west. I don't want to go more east, so
I go west. If I am still north of Marsh Harbour I will go east and west
in the south wind for a few days until the next front brings northerly
wind. Stay tuned.
Sailing 160^ at 3 kts. Sea calm. Very comfortable.
Reef Early,
Bill Doar
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