1100
The wind has continued to build (now in the low 20s) and Ive been sailing at 9.5-10.0 kts consistently. And reaching maximum speeds in the 13 kt range (over the groundno speedo cheating here).
So I decided to put up my storm jib: theres plenty of wind to keep me going and Id much rather do it while the foredeck is still relatively safe and the wind isnt crazy.
The only real twist at this point is that Im in a Gulf Stream eddy (warm?) thats pushing me due east with a 4.5kt current. So my bow is pointed toward Maine (actually, New Hampshire), but my boats headed for Newfoundland. This cant last forever, so Im not too worried. But it is slowing the otherwise great progress Id be making.
1500
The forecast said the wind would consistently build; instead, it…died. Thirty minutes after going with my storm jib, the wind began to weaken. For two hours, it was less than 14kts. With two reefs, a storm jib, and the wind abaft the beam, that translated to something like 5-5.5 kts. Pitiful. I even spent some time sailing west of my target, hoping to boost speed (and progress) with better apparent wind. Im not going to shake out the reefsas soon as I do, the wind will build rapidly. My luck.
So right now NOAA says I should have 30kts of wind and I have…16. Wheres that storm???
1700
Still a bust. The wind has built to a whopping 17kts, so Im moving int the high-6kt area. A lot less than the 9.5kts NOAA promised me!
I did just have a tanker (Greek) do the right thing crossing-wise. We were on a collision course. About 15 mins (and 5 nm) before we met, the ship altered course by about 15 degrees to take my stern. Clear, safe, and only cost him something like 5 minutes in arrival time. Those Greek shipping firms know what theyre doing!
Lastly, its starting to get chilly. I might need to put on a fleece tonight and some long pants tomorrow.
In the meantime, I plan to download some more recent weather information to see if I can figure out where this storm is hiding!
Your highest wind should be between 11 PM and 5 AM Z. It looks like a period of 30 – 35 kts. It is not a big storm, but there is a strong pressure gradient between the LOW and the HIGH to the SE. The LOW is moving quite fast. After last year, just a breeze…..I hope! Good sailing!
It appears that you are making best of the winds you are getting…be careful as it builds, stay warm and have a good night.
Count your low wind blessings!
Pleased to see you’re making progress….and without any hitches. Will be glad to see you – need your insight on some Power Squadron stuff.