Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Day 14 – 2 Weeks at sea

14 Mar, 07 – 21.23    
21.3318N,24.2644W

24 hr progress: 40.2 Nautical Miles
Distance to Antigua: 2127 Nautical Miles
Distance rowed: 615 Nautical Miles
Today is exactly 2 weeks since I started my fourth attempt to row across the Atlantic.
Last night was rough with waves breaking over the stern and some rain. For the past 2 weeks, the winds have been near gale conditions, around 35 knots, NNE and the wave height around 4 meters (12 feet). Making fair progress SW, but trying to make more progress due W. Cannot row beam on to the waves as much as I would like to due to the wave height and the risk of being capsized.
I'm currently rowing in 4 hour shifts, about 10 – 12 hrs a day. The weather pretty much dictates the routine out here. It's usually from midnight to 4 am or from 3 am to sunrise, then from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm. The days are getting warmer as I progress towards the south and I find that rowing at night is much more comfortable.
Had a surprise visitor this morning. Found a small black bird taking shelter by the bilge pump by the boat. Guess it had lost its way during the night and was attracted by the nav lights on the boat. Not sure what type it is. Its small and black with webbed feet, does not eat oreo cookies, protein bars, pringles or peanut butter, and has a white stripe on its head. Any guesses?
In case you missed it, the previous post gives a brief summary of the news for the past 13 days.
The ships log book is updated daily at 21.30 GMT. All positions mentioned are taken at 21.00 hrs GMT.
To send a message on the satellite phone visit http://www.bhavik.com/crossatlantic/messages.asp
Well, back to rowing!
B
MD-070314_1bird
Suprise visitor
MD-070314_2rough
Ruff seas

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