Crossing the Atlantic

 

On the 26th November, after water and gasoil fill ups and having spent our last escudos, we hoist the sails : Cap on the carribbean.

We have to be in Grenada on the 24th december to welcome Helene´s parents. We foresaw a week more than our calculations in case the wind is not with us. Normally we´ll need 18 days to cross.

On the 2nd day, there´s no more wind, but it´s not surprising, we were said that the beginning would be calm but that it would get better after. Trade winds come back after only 8 hours engine, we won´t switch it on again until we arrive in Grenada.

The cross is going fine : good weather, constant winds, visits of dolphins and killer wales (see film), fishing, modest but of quality, numerous lures are stolen by glutton fishes.

After 9 days navigation, we reached the half-way, somewhere between Africa and America.

Some days are less comforatble than others; Cephee moves a lot, rolls, we bump ourselves, and must wait until the sea get quieter. Then, Cephee is as comfortable as a rocking-chair. We discover thousands of stars at night and wonderful shouting stars..

The last 300 miles, we face lots of showers, more or less violent, which prevent us from sleeping, oblige us to tune the sails very often and to look at the sky carefully. We have to deserve our Atlantic!

On the 18 th day, in the early morning, Grenade apprears. We sailed 2200 miles, at an average speed of 5,5 knots (about 10 km/h), burnt 10 gasoil liters, kgs of good dishes, met 3 cargos and 2 fishers and relayed each other 24h/24 for our 1st transatlatic !

The arrival in Grenade, takes time. The whole day we face a strong current (up to 4 knots) while we turn around Grenada to reach St Georges (Grenada´s main city). We have time to observe Ivan´s damages. The hurricain destroyed 90% of the roofs and most of the plantations were damaged (nutmeg, cacao, fruits,...)

When rains comes before the wind Halyards, sheets and braces mind, But when wind comes before rain, Soon you may make sail again. If clouds are gathering thinck and fast, Keep sharp look out for sails and mast, But if they slowly onward crawl, Shoot your lines, nets and trawls.   *******************   Long foretold, long last. Short notice, soon past. Quick rise after low, Sure sign of stronger blow. When the glass falls low, Prepare for a blow; When it slowly rises high, Lofty canvas you may fly.