North Atlantic: Position Report

Wed 16 Jan 09:00 UT
10* 10' N X 47*10' W

I am 900 miles SE of Antigua and now that I am in the Trade Winds I am making better than expected progress.

The winds are weak, 10 -12 knots from the ENE, but I have the main up to second reef and the stay-sail down wind, but I have the Genoa out into the wind on the Selden Graphite pole giving me the "Wing-on-Wing" effect so that I can maintain 7 knots.

At this rate I will be at anchor in Antigua in 5 days. I may be just in time for the famous "Steel Band Sunday Afternoon Party" at Shirley Heights. At any rate I am ahead of schedule.

I only run the engine in neutral at idle, about 900 - 1000 rpms, just to top off the batteries for 3 hours a day. Because I do not have the use of my F-P generator, I can only charge the battery system with the engine alternator, and it is re-wired provisionally just to get me into port.

Needless to say, I am doing everything cautiously, I can not afford another breakdown, I have no reserves. But I am sailing well, fast and smooth.

The GRIB weather files show the wind and weather to be constant for the next week, typical trade winds, and I am happy to be in them.

Mike Harker
WanderLust 3
Hunter 49 "BOTY"