Today’s a week since we sailed out of Madeira. It’s around midnight of the 7th and we’re up for the midnight to 3am watch.
An unexpected cold front, further south than usual has us moving more south than west as we make our way towards Barbados. As a result we crossed the Tropic of Cancer this morning, a tad earlier than expected.
We watch eagerly as the multi function display counts down. We have covered about 2200nm since we set sail from Gosport on November 11th. The MFD shows 1873nm to reach Barbados but we’re closer to Brazil (as the crow flies, or the ship sails). Sanjula’s average is about 150nm every 24 hours but the roundabout approach will cost us some time. We hope to reach around the 18th.
On leaving Vigo on the 25th we made a beeline for Madeira, motor sailing all the way, to reach on the 30th morning. The best introduction to Portugal. We were at Funchal, Ronaldo’s hometown, for little over a day but packed in a cable car ride, two fabulous meals, some local sightseeing, besides restocking the food and fuel. Sergio and Antonio ensured a delightful 24 hours in their island city.
Steady winds out of Funchal had us clipping at 180nm a day over the weekend and we made good progress westward, till that cold front made an appearance on Monday.
That has helped the crew to settle in easily and piqued our creativity:
Andrew, our resident Mr Fix-it has more time on his hands now that Sanjula is humming along. He has sorted the clocks so they all match, the toaster and oven and mixer all work, as does the shower!
Dilip has been catering to crew requests and cooking up a feast - chicken Cafreal, Bombay Aloo, pepper daal
Gemma is unpacking the festive spirit, introducing the crew to our resident elf, Stanjula whose antics keep us guessing his whereabouts.
Mark entertains us with puzzles and his hilarious quips. Most of us are still figuring this one: You’re in a tower with 2 doors. One leads to freedom, the other to death. The doors are guarded. One guard is a liar, the other always tells the truth. What is the one question you can ask to get out of the tower alive!?
Oscar, or Oz is our youngest crew member. He is trying his hand at fishing, using one of the flying fish that landed on deck yesterday, as bait.
Sir Robin regales us with sea shanties, effortlessly belting out one after another. When we’re not doubled up in laughter, we’re awed by his elephantine memory.
Me, Sucheta, is the media person aboard, recording every occasion and incident on camera and through this newsletter
A sudden squall demands attention. Catch you later.
Written at sea, sent out post arrival in Barbados.
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