Greetings;
Finalmentes position at 10:00 this evening is 33 deg 19" N -30 deg 10" W. This puts us 350 nm from our stop in the Azores. We now expect a friday arrival. We are now well into the Azores High and conditions are as advertised. We have spent the last 36 hours motoring or motor sailing in light (2-6 K) winds and glassy smooth seas. Although this makes for easy going it is also slow, thus our Fri. arrival.
We only make a little over 6 Knots at economical power settings. We were typically averaging 8-9 knots sailing even in moderate winds. Motoring is not a problem as we have adequate fuel, but all are anxious to arrive.
We will pick up a new crew member in the Azores. Urban Gomes, a long btime friend of Ni has been waiting patiently for our arrival. Sadly, Randy will now have to jump ship in the Azores due to our late departure from Brazil. He has reservations and dates to keep in Italy so will fly there ahead of us.
Time for another two hours at the helm and then some sleep before our 4:00 AM watch.
More tomorrow;
Ray
/EX