After experiencing a last big roar of almost 36 hrs of Gale force winds we finally seem to be out of the clutches of the Roaring Forties. The roar did push us a little more to the North than expected though not enough to get into a High pressure system and risk getting becalmed. Sailing at the edge of the system and getting good Westerly winds since morning. With a moderate following sea Mhadei is cruising along under clear sunny skies! The forecast looks good for the next couple of days after which the wind is expected to turn SE which would mean head winds and slamming into the swell till Cape Town. Well, we will see when we reach there! Presently enjoying the sail with the weather getting warmer by the day. No more woolens or boots required during the day and the morning cup of coffee can be had sitting out on the deck rather than standing as close to the gas as possible!
26 comments:
Thank you for the update, Commander Dilip!
After the gales, holidays'time!
Jessica has known the same, and calm days too.
If the end of the leg lasts a little longer, it won't be too hard work, but it will try your patience; that shouldn't be a problem, zs you have a full load of it.
Enjoy your cruise and the sunny Atlantic; your last leg might be more windy, cold and bumpy to get back home. Fair winds and nice surf!
You have painted a word picture of beautiful days! And, morning coffee on the deck sounds absolutely wonderful. You make it all sound too easy! ....Yes, I remember the storms you have weathered the past months and am happy that you have this time of respite. Enjoy, and keep up your good work!
Janell in Oklahoma, USA
Dear Dilip,
Interesting to read your update. It seems that you have had a tough time out there. I'm so impressed that you sailors can stand it.
Good to hear that it's warmer now.
God speed and sail on safe.
Regards,
Ingrid, Tyreso, Sweden
Hello Dilip
A bit disappointing for you to have headed a little further North than you intended does that add a bit extra to your time out there.
I am seeing in my minds eye one very happy sailor man enjoying the sun scampering the decks bare footed and wirey beard.
Enjoy the sunshine and good winds.
Sail safe.
Cheers
Evie from Bendigo
Hello Dilip,
your decision not to go too far north has certainly paid dividens. Playing 'cat n mouse' with
'Mother Nature' has it's rewards if you play ya cards right it seems. You are simply powering along...well done!
Poor Jesse has been badly becalmed having gone backwards at one stage.
Her latest report tho suggests she is moving again with 30kt wind gusts.
My layman's reckoning is that you are both sailing on an approximate paralell now and probably experiencing similar conditions. Jesse has just crossed the Prime Meridian and heading east.
You paint the most idyllic picture out there Dilip. A morning coffee out on deck whilst cruising amid clear sunny blue skies sounds magical. I almost wish I was there lol. I say almost cos no doubt you'll be back in the thick of it again and battling the extremes.
You and Mhadei are a formidable team having come thru so much adversity on this long and arduous journey and have no doubts at all you will sail home to a royal and well deserved welcome.
Keep up the good work Dilip and let the winds and currents be always favourable.
Ben (Qld)
Hi Dilip,
Sounds like you shouldn't get too used to the morning coffee on deck. Nature will remind you again just who is in charge here!
If you hurry you could catch up to Jess. Maybe only about 400 nm or so between you perhaps, from my really rough guestimate. Just 2-3 days sail really! But do look out for her - we don't want our Jesse to get run down in a trough!
Nearly the home stretch for you once you round the cape. That must be a good feeling.
Stay safe and well and wishing you fair winds.
Toni
Hi Dilip - I first heard of your circumnavigation through Jessica's blog, and I thought I'd drop by and say g'day to you. I'm glad to hear that you're back out there and picking up some nice weather. The very best of luck to you. All solo sailors are quite mad of course, but I admire and envy your pluck.
Dilip!
Been reading for blogs all the while - good to see you in high spirits, enjoying your tryst with the oceans! May it continue so till the end of your voyage. Best wishes. Adm SM
To: Commander Dilip
FM: Ashraf Khan
Goodday Commander Dilip
I am a Radio Operator at Cape Town Radio and on behalf of Cape Town Radio we Wishing you a safe and exciting journey. You living the free spirited life. Please keep us updated on the blog as to yr journey .Ps we
Have sent you a DSC safety test message on 4 / 6 / 8 mhz . When you closer to Cape Town and within Vhf range give us a test call on VhF ch 16 if you would like to test your equipment.
Rgds
Cape Town Radio/zsc
Sir,
Good to hear that u are enjoying the sailing. I really wish and pray that you do catch up with pink boat of young Jessica. Steam past (or to say sail past) between two yachts will be wonderful thing to happen. I am sure you will in keeping with naval traditions pipe her or may exchange only a courtesy salute...Any way if u do catch up with her click plenty of photographs and paste them on blog.
Good luck and as we say in diving school 'Bajrang bali kee.... (I hope u said the 'Jai' loud enough to heard by radio operator at cape town Ha! Ha!)
Hi Admiral Didl!
KEEP UP THEM DODGERS!!!!!
:o)))))))))
Jony the Pony
Great post Cdr. Donde!
Thanks for keeping us updated. It is great that you can enjoy sunny days and coffee out on deck!
I hope you can enjoy good winds and arrive to cape Town in schedule. You are moving very fast, do you think you will get close to Jessica any time soon?
Have a great trip,
Best wishes from Marina in Turin
Hi Dilip,
Ahhh, nothing like enjoying a hot cup of morning coffee in the sunshine. Moments like this must more than make up for the more challenging moments you have.
Have you tried fishing while the weather is good? I know Jesse Watson tried fishing a little while ago and a bird got tangled in her line. The bird was okay but she felt so bad she hasn't fished again since and she fed her chocolate biscuits to the birds. It made me give a little chuckle when I was reading that. What a sweet young girl she is. She has also seen rubbish floating past her and has said that she is going to use less plastic bags when she gets back home.
I hope that the weather is kind to you and you keep heading in the direction you are. It's nice that you are enjoying warmer weather and have been able to put away all your winter woollies for now.
You are doing such an awesome job and you deserve a heroes welcome when you arrive home.
Warmest wishes and safe travels Dilip. Jan Pace (Auckland, New Zealand)
हाय Dilip & Mahdei,
Sailing one day at a time. Enjoy!
नमस्कार!
I follow your progress with great interest.
David Lintner
Southern California
Great to know about you.
I just read from here:
http://blogs.reuters.com/india/2010/02/16/sailing-solo-around-the-world-2/
Way to Go!
02-17-10 @14:29
Hi Dilip,
Thanks for the update, always good to hear from you.
Seems like you're out of one gale and into another, but at least you didn't get blown to far North and possibly land in the doldrums.
I can just imagine how enjoyable it would be to sit on the aft deck and have a cup of coffee. I always enjoyed sitting on my porch in the mornings drinking coffee.
So enjoy the next few days of smooth sailing and relax.
Take care of yourself and always be cautious, you are in my prayers.
Michael(75)from Kingwood, WV (USA)
Commander Donde,
Enjoy the balmy weather while you have it. After your respite in Cape Town, you’ll definitely have cooler weather for awhile. Keep your fingers crossed that conditions don’t get bad enough to beat you up too bad before your stop. And whatever you do, don’t fall asleep and miss the entrance to Cape Town. If you miss it, you have a long stretch before you make it home. Enjoy yourself, Dilip.
From Seattle, WA, USA
Saltydog
Hi Dilip
Glad everything is going so well. Beautiful warm weather and a good wind - what more can you want?
Not far to Cape Town now so presumably you are now on a different course to Jess.
Enjoy the Cape.
cheers
Mike-trrac (Avoca Beach, NSW)
Hi ya Dilip
mmmmmmmmm very interesting blog you have very interesting mmmmmmmmmm
Hi Dilip,
Thanks for the update. It's true about the plastics - we sure must use less.
Have fun and Take care,
Subir
Hi Admiral Didl,
keep up them dodgers,
Jony the Pony
Thank you
well done.
Enjoy
Richard (QLD) Aus
Hi Dilip,
So glad the weather has improved and you are enjoying some sunshine. It must be good to sit out on the deck and enjoy the warmth rather than be inside trying to keep warm.
All the best.
Joy
Ballarat
Australia
Hi Admiral Didl,
keep up them dodgers,
Jony the Pony
Dear Donde sir,
cheers and waiting for u to get back. keep the IN flag flying high.
Sandeep Sandhu
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