Saturday, May 5, 2007

Day 66 – Without rudder again!, squall

5 May, 07 – 21.30    
15.2966N,48.1718W
24 hr progress: 27.6 Nautical Miles (1 nm = 1.85 km)
Distance left to Antigua (straight line): 783 Nautical Miles ( 1448 km)
Distance completed: 2314 NM (4280 km)
Wave height: 10-12 ft, Winds: 15-20 knots ENE, Bearing: 270 degrees.


A shorter post than usual.
The weather continues to be squally (a preface to the hurricane season perhaps?) and mixed periods of clear skies and sun.
Last night was rough and it looked like the rudder is about to put its last orders in at the bar. Quite a nervous night, hoping and praying that the rudder with just hold on for a few hours more. For a while I found my self talking to the rudder and the boat, motivating it to just 'hang in there'.
I tried to fix it again this morning with ropes but by afternoon it looked obvious that it was not going to hold.
I took the rudder out this evening and have decided to carry on to Antigua without the rudder until I am around 100 mils off shore. Rowing without a rudder is going to be a lot harder, but I just cannot risk a larger crack in the fiberglass.
Another long over due task was to improve my sleeping arrangement. My bed consists of 3 foam camping mats (6 ft by 2ft) along with an inflatable heat reflective mat. Its been one of the many irritations at sea - trying to get a few hours of comfortable sleep without being thrown against the sides of the boat or having the sleeping mat slip away from underneath my back. I spent some time taping the mattress together and tying the ends up with string they wont run away. Another one crossed off the list.
No sign of human life around yet. Not a single boat or ship seen for days.
Enjoying the peace
Im expecting a harder row ahead, now that I've taken the rudder out, using only the oars to steer. Hoping that the sea state improves. It will be nice to have the winds and waves aligned up.
Off to get some rest on my 'new' bed!
B
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http://www.bhavik.com/crossatlantic/messages.asp
Otherwise email me: mail@bhavik.com

md-070505_1rudder

Rudder, as seen under water

md-070505_2matress

Fixing the mattress on deck

md-070505_3squall

Incoming!

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