Posted by: Dave Latham, on: Friday, December 22, 2006
The boys arrived safe and well in Antigua in the early afternoon (their time!), or a trip of over 2800 miles in just over 18 days. Not bad. And the boat is still floating. Even better.
Posted by: Dave Latham, on: Friday, December 15, 2006
"Good Morning,
Things going ok out here, ruddder has only worn a bit more, but no real structural damage.
Weather is a bit rough, but it's coming from the quarter so that's ok, it's due
to break tomorrow, which is good - we can cover some miles under motor then.
908 miles to go.
position 19 15 N 045 04 W."
Posted by: Dave Latham, on: Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Some worrying news reached us today from the Atlantic:
"Had some interesting developments since i last wrote. Noticed water coming into bilge, so after loads of hunting, found it coming from rudder post, it was then we noticed excessive play at the top bearings!!
At one point we thought about getting rid of the rudder before it ripped a big hole in the hull, but after a mid atlantic swim, it all appeared pretty intact below the water. We are now proceeding gently along without putting to much pressure on the rudder. The sea state is much calmer now, so as long as we don't run into any more monster seas we should be ok. Ironically it happened when we were exactly half way across, only 1248 miles to go now, probably 11 days at our new slow speed. We have got the dinghy blown up and grab bags on deck just in case, but I'm sure it won't come to that. I'm happy that it will get us there so long as the weather doesn't turn bad, the forecast looks good.
Dave.
position 20 07 N 40 06 W"
Posted by: Dave Latham, on: Sunday, December 10, 2006
"Had an interesting night, very rough seas and 55 knot squalls, sea now
moderate average 30 knots easterly but still squally. Took a very large wave
over the stern, filled the cockpit and shorted the electrics to the winches,
resulting in one winch setting off at full speed , bursting a harken block
and a spinlock cluch all in pitch blackness. No other damage and nobody
hurt, running all winches manually now, till the weather breaks, then will
try to find out where the water got in, probably through the switches.
Also yesterday the water pump on the genset let go, but a new impeller and
shortened inlet hose have sorted it out.
Rest of the boat ok except for two small water leaks in to both aft cabins.
Current position 22 56N ,32 13W heading 230 ish!
Cruising chute still in its bag!
Be in touch,
Dave."
And they say transat crossings are fun!!!!