Log Entry No 3 - 10th May 08. (Discoverer)

FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN

NAV CHECK

It has been almost 72 hours with very little wind. There has been the occasional hour long spells of 14 kts but far too few. Motor sailing is now becoming the “Norm” and the crew are itching to switch the engine off. The wind occasionally picks up enough speed to warrant hoisting the Genoa, but it seems as soon as the engine is switched off, the wind dies and the constant thrum of the engine soon returns.

The weather forecast is predicting more light winds Force 3 -4 from the South East and with any luck well be speeding our way to Antigua with16 Knots on our beam.

FROM THE CREW QUARTERS:

The crew seem to have settled into a fine routine and with such light winds, the highlight of the day seems to be mealtimes. The competitiveness between the watches is proving very beneficial and the standard of cooking on a Yacht in the Atlantic for 14 people has produced some fabulous grub. (And I thought we’d all loose some weight on this trip)

The mates demonstration of washing on board sent White watch into a flurry of activity and no sooner had they finished their stag, they were up the pointy end (Sorry Dave couldn’t resist) filling canvas buckets with water and enjoying a refreshing salt water wash and scrub.

White watch are most definitely very used to putting the Genoa up and down and have welcomed the supposed rest of mother watch. In an attempt to block out the hottest of suns at 8am, Red Watch with the help of both Skipper and Mate have hoisted a Storm Sail at the stern. The sail has been used for most of the day and eventually after swapping sides we all believe it is actually working and giving us that extra half a knot.

Spirits are high and bellies are full as we slowly move towards the equator.