20.12.2007
Wind set to drop
To the great satisfaction of Michèle and Dominique, the gales expected last
night aboard Temenos II were late in coming. Reindexing ahead of a front, which
is losing momentum as it tracks eastwards, the duo should manage to escape the
arrival of strong winds for another few hours yet, the winds though set to drop
off according to the latest grib files.
Now 47° South, the onboard living conditions are improving, a situation which
Michèle was delighted about when contacted quickly at midday.
“In the end the night was fairly quiet; we were expecting wind but it didn't
kick in. In fact we have stayed ahead of the front for longer than forecast. If
things go to plan we should get caught up by it at the end of the day, but the
forecasts show that the winds are on the decline, the last files giving us winds
of 30 knots now rather than 40. The further east we get the more the front is
losing its power. For some hours now the winds have been strengthening and we
have between 20 and 25 knots. The waves are hitting us on the beam but it's a
long swell, which is preventing the boat from slamming too much. That stops the
jolts and spares the keel. The wind has headed a little; it’s wet on deck again
but above all it’s enabling us to sail a little quicker than of late where we
had the wind right on our tail.
Since yesterday we've really been able to feel the rise in temperature. It's
nothing like what it was and we're managing to get 12°C down below at the
warmest part of the day. The atmosphere is still grey but it has turned to light
grey!”
Above Temenos II, albatross and petrels continue to whirl gracefully.
“The birds are still following us. We’re wondering how they manage to live here
year round, they must have good down! It’s nice to see life around us; as soon
as you're on deck you look out for them. They really seem to be enjoying
themselves, playing with the turbulence around the boat. It’s a pleasure to see
them. Without them life would be very different; thanks to them we feel a little
less alone in the middle of this immense desert of water and grey skies.”
At the last ranking, Temenos II now reaching, they were racking up some great
averages, the speeds doubtless very welcome by the duo who are hoping to make
Wellington as soon as possible. For the time being the ETA in the New Zealand
port is between 30th December and 2nd January, but so far from the goal it’s
hard to be very precise at this stage.
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