Following winds and seas is what I enjoyed all day and night. Only problem is that it was bit stronger than forecast- I had 20 knots in the afternoon, and it built to 25 in the evening, with a few hours at 30 knots, near the cape. The plan was to get around Cabo Frio by midday today, as there is a full gale behind me, and I didn’t want to wait around for it. So sail on I did, with the waves and wind at my back, slaloming my way down the coast- to another fantastic 200-mile day.
Last night though, when the wind really started howling, I was struggling to keep control with 2 reefs in the main, so finally put the 3rd reef in, although it had not been previously rigged, With that and a 3-foot by 5-foot piece of jib showing, things settled down nicely, and I was able to keep speed up. In fact I hit a new top speed for the boat, 14.4 knots.
It also got colder last night. I had to put on a fleece and a windbreaker, which I guess is a sign of things to come. I have to remember that in addition to all that East and West stuff, I’ve also dropped 20 degrees of latitude since last week. Right now I’m on the edge of the tropic of Capricorn, so still technically in the tropics.
Looking ahead, I think mother nature is making Sunday a stay-at-anchor day, so I’ll probably see how far I can get by Saturday- maybe Ubatuba, or Santos, or maybe I’ll just stop in Angra dos Reis. I’ll let you know!
22.46S 41.41W 4112nm gone, 1198nm to go. 8am 9/8