07.02.2008
The high pressure provides a little respite for Temenos II
Back in the high pressure since yesterday evening, Temenos II is continuing its
progress. The wind has certainly eased, dropping to 6 knots last night, but
fortunately Michèle and Dominique’s biggest fear has failed to materialize and
the boat has not come to a complete standstill.
As the barometer rises, the seas have become calmer and even though the
manœuvres have been far from lacking for the two co-skippers in the light airs,
they certainly have no regrets about leaving the hard, upwind sailing of recent
days behind them that was putting so much stress on the boats. Tack changes,
sail changes, trimming and sessions at the helm have been on the menu since
yesterday evening. And with the changes of tack come the joys of shifting
ballast once again, albeit a touch different, now that the massive bags of food
have become part of the featherweight category after 89 days at sea.
Sailing level with the western edge of a zone of high pressure, which is
shifting eastwards as the hours go by, the duo hope to be able to escape the
influence of this high pressure from tomorrow.
For its part, Mutua Madrilena has opted to position itself to the West, a move
Dominique was kind of anticipating, when questioned on the matter during today's
radio session. However, the skipper of Temenos II was continuing to favour the
direct course, and the control that such a position imparts. Inserted between
the Straits of Gibraltar and the Spanish boat, seems to appeal to him. 2,219
miles from Barcelona, and with a 103 mile lead over their pursuer, Michèle and
Dominique are on their guard more than ever.
“We entered the high pressure but without really stopping” recounted Michèle
when contacted at the end of the day. “There were a few interesting little wind
shifts to exploit. We followed them by making a series of tack changes, which
were pretty successful. We played at being removal men, which reminded us a bit
of the exit from the Mediterranean, where we had to do a similar thing
practically every hour. It’s quite nice to shift stuff around and at least we no
longer have enormous sacks to drag about since we've eaten nearly everything!
The seas have really flattened out and Temenos II can slip along again. It feels
good to know that the boat’s not suffering. We know they must be tired, and this
upwind climb over the end of the course is something we all feel a bit of
trepidation about. The boats have given a lot and they've had a lot of pressure
on them. We haven't been sparing on them so inevitably the gear is fatigued.
During the winter work we’ll change a number of things, which are still working
nonetheless, but they are worn.
We don’t really have a chance of hitting the low any more. When we get out of
the high pressure we should get into a N'ly air flow and be able to head towards
Gibraltar. We should be able to sail slightly fewer miles than the frontrunners,
but unfortunately it won't be very quick.”
Kate Jennings
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