19/6/2006
Hi Roger, Louise, Brooke and all,
Just a quick one to let you know we are safe and well. The conditions weren’t right for crossing the bar so we went none stop up the outside. We arrived in CID Harbour yesterday (Sunday) around 1230 hrs. Great sailing. This cat leaves the monos we’ve had in the past for dead! What a way to cruise. Why didn’t we do this sooner? It is fantastic. Will have to keep it a close guarded secret though or else everyone will be switching to a cat! Very decadent being able to drink from a mug holding it with both hands while STANDING UP and NOT hanging on, AND doing between 8 and 9 knots, AND having a 360 degree view of the world. Neither of us have any bruises! Amazing. We are both very excited about cruising. It’s nice to get a chance to enjoy the boat at long last. I mean REALLY enjoy it. Top speed on the log was 15.1 knots, and we averaged 6.5 for the trip. Terry is pretty happy with that considering we had to motor sail the first night because the wind dropped out completely.
Terry discovered that the boat sails really nicely downwind in 20 knots true with 2 reefs in the main and the jib tied out to windward (winging it). This was quite by accident because the first reef went in when we lost the outhaul shackle, and the second reef went in when we broke the first reefing line. Then of course the boat was out of balance for the screecher, so it went away and the jib came out. We didn’t lose any speed but the ride became more comfortable. Perfect really. It’s all a learning curve, and one that Terry realises he’s got to learn after sailing a mono for so many years.
Although we were both tired we didn’t feel like something the cat dragged in after sailing 3.5 days on a mono. I doubt we will ever go back to a mono now. Terry is playing water makers today (looks like the main pump needs replacing) and I’m learning more about my digital camera. It’s been overcast and raining none stop almost since we arrived, but we don’t care. Will stay here today and probably go to Airly tomorrow for some fresh supplies before heading off again. Ah……..sun’s just coming out again.
Well that’s about it from us for now. Thanks again to everyone at Lightwave for building such a fantastic product, and for all the support to us during our difficult time last year 🙂 We will keep in touch and let you know how well we are enjoying the fruits of everyone’s labour. Until next time, take care, J&T.
