Well, a small part of it anyways. But an important part. We have to make it the last 70 miles into Cape Verde without the mainsail. The bolt that holds the boom to the mast broke, and I have no spares on board. Bad Scott. So first order of business when we make landfall is to find a hardware store and buy a few 3/8in bolts (stainless steel if possible, but I’ll take what I can get). Also washed off the boat – tons of sahara dust on everything.
Well they say that sailing around the world is the art of boat maintenance in exotic locations. I’d say that this qualifies.
It is not as big a deal as it sounds right now. The winds have shifted so that our best time is with just the spinnaker, so the main sail is down anyways. It looks like we will be getting in tomorrow at about 4am. Another saying that seems to be holding up is the “to get to the Americas sail south until the butter melts, then turn right”. I just noticed today that the butter is nicely melting on us. Must be about time to turn right.
Oh, and we had a spectacular dolphin show yesterday! A pod of about 15 to 25 (hard to count them) playing off the bow for about 45 minutes – lots of jumping, 7 or 8 of them jostling for the closest to the bow, etc…. Got lots of video, including some underwater. When we get a decent data connection I’ll see about uploading some of that.
Update, Creeping up on Cape Verde: 3 in the morning here. just a sliver of jib out to keep our speed down. the island of Sal is a couple of miles away. trying to arrive in the first light . apparently there are hazards to avoid. The funny thing is that the hazards are unlit navigational buoys.
Whew, good thing you’re not on the long stretch yet! Loving the updates. Can’t wait to see the dolphin video.
Safe travels folks!
Sure enjoy virtually visiting your destinations. How many days in Cape Verdi, hopefully you will have some time to see the beauty of that place. Incredible beaches and mountains sites…
Looking forward to view the dolphins video 😲 I hope Scott will find the 3/8 inch bolts he needs to get on the repairs 😉 good luck! Sure is an incredible journey you are taking us in, we are enjoying your posts, thank you. Scott your Dad can’t get over the fact that you will be crossing the bloody Atlantique Ocean in a Sail Boat 😉 just thought I would let you know, he is desperately trying to put it thought his mind that you are actually doing it, makes me snicker every time he reads your posts, and views where you are, 😊. Happy Sailing!!
Sam has provided some further tutoring on how to actually send my comments so
Trying again. Had a lo mevely visit with Sam and she gave me a current photo. My rouges gallery is notcomplete. Try not to drown your self before you even start your Atlantic crossing.