Sunday, November 15, 2009

Surviving the First Southern Ocean Gale


Since the last three days winds gusting to 55 Kts, Swell - 8 to 9 mtrs, temp below 10 deg C. Stay sail came down yesterday probably due broken halyard, waiting for winds to reduce to put it up. Starboard wheel had to be disconnected as the base holding its ram connection to the rudder broke in heavy weather so one electronic autopilot less and no Wind Vane autopilot. Port, and only, autopilot groaning badly and threatening to rip its base out! Doing over 8 kts with just 1/3 of main sail, 03 reefs, and still getting overpowered at times! Forecast predicts winds to reduce after tomorrow, keeping my fingers crossed!

10 comments:

Abhilash Tomy said...

hang on in there. just a few more days to go...

Unknown said...

that's the spirit - lage raho & you shall overcome

Milind Tamhane said...

after the Pan Cake Blog and a long gap, we were certain you have been busy with something big. We, though are confident that the things will fall in place, are also keeping fingers crossed as to see you both fast aproaching Destination 2, keep it up.

chatty said...

Good Golly ..but 8 knots is good enough...ensure safety ..hang on just a couple of days

Swati said...

Godspeed to you. May you return safely.

ViShRuT said...

well think of the beautiful waters of Auckland and hang in there......

mahesh said...

good man........wish u luck and mayb u can steer manually for as long as possible to preserve the last surviving autopilot

Geethanjali Rajaram said...

Hi
Good to hear athe postive note despite adverse condition. All our prayers are with you to withstand and complete the expedition successfully. God Speed
Geethanjali Rajaram

Unknown said...

Keep the spirit going on and may god bless you !!

Hole Food Rescue said...

Great bloog I enjoyed reading