Yesterday, I took Resolute out for a final "instrument calibration—sail check—hydrogenerator test" sail. All went well, so it looks like I’ll be leaving for Plymouth tomorrow morning. The weather looks pretty benign for the next week, with winds forecast to range from 5kts to 25kts (mostly from abaft the beam, so it should make for a comfortable ride), which is all good. The only issues on the horizon are:
- Air temperature: it’s generally still pretty cold at night—close to freezing. Crossing the Atlantic in July 2015 I was pretty cold at night (and some days). So I’m very focused on trying to stay warm, especially before I cross the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream.
- Icebergs: the so-called Iceberg Limit (marking the area of risk for icebergs flowing down with east coast of Canada on the Labrador Current) appears much further south this year than in other recent years. That’s a problem— even where there are no large icebergs that are considered dangerous to shipping, there are likely to be some smaller ones that aren’t of concern to big, steel ships, but would pose a huge problem for a small, fiberglass boat if there were a collision.
But these should be manageable. In fact, both factors indicate an east-southeasterly course out of Maine, which should keep me 1) south, in general, 2) below the iceberg limit and 3) hopefully getting to the warm Gulf Stream waters soonest. So that’s what I’ll do.
I spent the day today doing all of the personal cleanup (bills to pay, instructions to give, etc.), packing clothes and buying lots of food and snacks. Hopefully I’ve remembered pretty much everything. (Of course I haven’t, but that’s part of the challenge to this stuff.)
You’ll see that the “tracker map” will show the results of yesterday’s test sail. I will (hopefully) remember to reset the map tomorrow morning. One more thing to add to the list!
Good Luck on your trip acrossed and the race. We will be watching your progress. Just thinking about doing it impresses us. Ellie and Doug
We will have you in our prayers and thoughts. You have a fine vessel and all the skill you need to win.
May the fair winds bring you there and back safely.
It appears that the temperature and iceberg presence make a great circle route impossible. Hopefully, being in the the Gulf Stream will offset the increased distance by providing more speed. Bon voyage.
PS hope you can get a couple of pictures for our newsletter, especially if you run into a school of whales again.
Hi Scott:
Good luck with the sails both ways!!
Cheers
Court
Fair winds, Scott! Rooting for you.
Gust
Thanks for giving all of us “couch sailors” the chance to participate in your adventure vicariously. Fair winds and smooth sailing with just enough adventure to keep you from getting bored. Rox and Tom