Spirit of Minerva - Atlantic Adventure

48 hours of wet pants!

2009-11-17T19:38:00.001Z

Bad joke of the day - -what do you call a snowman in summer? A carrot

So here it is ......the final blog from Team Minerva - we're here in Barbados!
Arrived at 7am local time today to find that Isis had beaten us here by just 2 hours. Congrats to Luiz and team - well done especially given the issues they'd had to deal with; we saw the 'repaired' pole - Heath Robinson would have been proud.

The last 2 days have been wet and windy and whoever suggested bringing baby wipes deserves the Nobel Prize for Care of the Nether Regions. It's rained a lot and last night we were treated to torriental downpours and spectacular 360 degree electrical storms - steering through that in the dark was like some wierd video game - bizarre.

Prior to that Dave went up the mast with a few cameras - 87 feet, rather him than me, but he did get some great photos.
After our wrapped spinnaker yesterday we thought we'd had our bad luck but no......halfway through another of Graham's culinary triumphs (risotto), the kite split and was flapping all over the shop, so we all had to haul it down and get the foresail up PDQ - more time lost, hey ho.

This wasn't the weather we'd signed up to - 40 knot winds and rain made our arrival in Barbados more like a bad day's sail to the IOW. We eventually sighted land at 00.20 and then sailed to Port St Charles to do customs clearance, and more importantly, neck some cold beer - both duties heroically performed.
On our way down the west coast of the island now to drop anchor in Carlisle Bay. Some will be leaving the boat there for more salubrious accommodation so this will be our last day altogether on the boat - what a blast....no whale or dolphin sitings but some great memories for everyone.

HUGE thanks to Monkey, Rory and Graham - guys, it would not have been the same without you - deffo the best!

Thanks also to everyone who sent us messages over the last few days - it's been great to hear from you and know you've been following our adventure, and to all those other halves who we left behind to indulge ourselves - what can we say....

We'll all be in touch by text etc when batteries have recharged!

Some messages from us:

Peggs: What an amazing experience. I have had a fantastic time and still have a week in Barbados. Thanks you for all messages. Love to mum, dad, mark and simon.

Dave: To Bev, Claire and Rachel - missing you all hope your well, look forward to seeing you soon. Yipee. Thanks to everyone who sent me messages. What a great trip.

Julian and Alita: to Kayleygh, Luke and Tom - We are missing you so much. Love you and see you next week xxxx

Ian: to Dave - 8am Barbados yacht club, Banks - nice !

Paul: Tracy, Emma, Amanda, Sarah Jo - Hiya, see you soon , Daddy.

Charlotte: Has been a fantastic adventure, miss you all, look forward to seeing you soon. x

Rory: Arrived in Barbados safe and sound, on my way to drink copious amounts of rum and coke, will call you soon. love Rory.

Monkey: Rum rum in my tum, blow the candel out now. Monkey love x

Alex: Mum, dad, mike and all of you lovely people sending messages - we have arrived ! miss you all lots of love

Bridget: here in good spirits, looking forward to terra firma and sampling rum punch ... BX

Mr Max signing off - PSAA HK

Not far now

2009-11-16T23:52:00.001Z

Everyone slowly digested their submarine pizzas and settled back into their normal routine on Sunday afternoon, some reading, some chatting (with the most popular topic at the moment being whether we should have draught lager or bottled, how many, which type, and how it should be served when we reach Barbados), and laughing and others milling around the boat performing maintenance tasks, cooking or drinking tea. The afternoon went by pretty much uneventual, however there was an air of anticipation and excitement for the afternoons scheduled quiz. Unfortunately as the quiz started, some thick thunderous louds started to loom across the horizon which added an edge to the event and forced us all to focus in order to complete the proceedings before being forced down below deck from the anticipated squall. The hostesss with the mostess 'Ms Peggs', took control of the event and managed to announce the eventual winner, Mr Maxey (who obviously watches too much TV) before the rain hit with ever increasing avengence.

After taking cover from the rain, a hot disk of tuna layed of a bed of Dillon Pasta, laced by cucumber garnish and served with late afternoon beverages for all, including the famous 'Salty Sundowners'.

Dave, in his attempt to educate us motely crew, put on a podcast for weather forecasting, and after we all felt pretty competent of our ability to read the clouds and prepare for any of the prevailing weather conditions, however Dave ommitted to mention that the podcast was for the Solent and inshore waters of the UK.

The routine of the evening, and the preparations for the overnight shifts kicked in, and as everyone was returning and settling down to their personal saunas the kite decided to wrap itself around the forestay, resulting in a call for all hands on deck. Two an a half hours later, of hard sweating by the team (many strapped on to the foredeck) and some amazing trapease work by Monkey up the mast and down the forestay, the kite was eventually wrestled free, re-wooled and put back up. A well earned cup of tea was served up to all, and everyone reacted in detail their own personal struggles with the elements and the kite, while licking their battle scares, quite content that they all now have an old sea dog story to share with whoever will listen to them down their local when back in blighty.

As everyone not scheduled to be on shift returned back to their saunas around 0100hrs, a cooling shower acompanied by another amazing lightning show and shooting stars was provided for our enjoyment. The rest of the overnight watches went uneventful, followed by more early morning showers, some vivid rainbows and yet another dolphin visit.

As we sign off what is our penultimate blog, we are currently at 09.39.650N, 052.44.698N heading on a bearing of 157, speed 9Kn leaving us with 177 miles to our final destination.

A general thankyou to everyone who has sent a message, they are really appreciated.

Kumusta sa aking pamilya sa Philippines!

Alita, Julian and all of the crew on Minerva.

It doesn't rain on my watch

2009-11-15T19:16:00.001Z

Last night was a big, banging night but lets start where we left off. Yesterday was scorchio, hot, hot, hot. The oppressive heat sent everyone to take refuge in whatever shade they could find, which is much smaller on our current port tack. Braveheart Graham's kilt (bedding) was crafted into a makeshift sunshade from for the helm, with the assistance of a headsail stay and some cunning knots. Lots of sunscreen and liquids all round.

Fresh food is now low and the creativity of the galley is being stretched with meals concocted from tins and dried food. Going from Jamie to Oliver in one day (please sir do I have to have more ?).

So to last night. We had a roller coaster ride with strong squally winds of 29kt forcing us North as lightning lit the sky and the heavens opened. The spinnaker pole has developed a new habit of releasing the kite on a whim, mainly during Rory's watch. Well a least the watch are now well rehearsed in resetting it in the dark, which is handy as it seems only to happen in the early hours.

The rain really started to lash down in the morning but provided an opportunity for some impromptu washing and laundry for the Minerva crew. The filming schedule for our movie took a hit with this mornings weather but we should be able to work in some dancing in the rain footage; always a silver lining. The sun is now coming out, in time for home made torpedo pizzas - back on track.

Isis are back on the horizon again, just 6nm North after 1700nm and with only 350nm to go it's wide open and going to be a race to the end. ETA in Barbados early Tuesday.

Breaking news: just had to drop the blog as the spinnaker pole dropped again, Monkey was straight up, took the helm and a brouch was narrowly avoided. Rory has done some magic to the pole - lets hope it holds !

Favourite dish of the day: porridge with golden syrup served in the rain - yum

Daily grog: last of the rum and coke

Today's crap joke: What do you call a fish with no eyes ?
fsh

Messages

Kayleigh, Luke and Tom - Mum and Dad say please text to let us know you are all fine and we'll call as soon as we get to Barbados

A big hello to the children and staff at Quayside Nursery from Alita

Hi to Bev, Claire and Rachel from Dave and thanks for the pressies

Charlotte was very happy to hear that the hospital went well for Mum

Hi to Fiona, Katherine and Olivia, hope all is well and Olivia is feeling better love from Ian

Hi to Mum, dad and Mark. Kiss the winner Simon love from Victoria

What a night ...

2009-11-14T17:44:00.001Z

Minerva made it through Friday 13th keeping in the lead after gybing onto a more southerly course 250' and constant winds in the teens.

Daytime activities of eating, drinking, washing and sunbathing continued with new of organic mango face-mask for Victoria & Bridge. To mix it up we had early supper of pasta carbonara followed by rum infused "denghy" gateaux washed down with rum & coke sundowner.

A fab sunset followed by strong winds picked up throughout the night to 30 knots, with several personal bests beaten but topped by Monkey's 19.4k. Pre-dawn gybe in high seas to 295' with Isis 2m E and 30m N and 540m to go, it's all to play for ...

After breakfast filming started with Alex as Team Minerva video director and camera! Settled into another ... sunny, breezy, glorious day surfing down waves only days from cold beer.

Thanks for all the text messages, oh yes Brad's back on his bike!!

Today's crap joke: What do you call a man with no shins? Tony

BX

Halfway House 13 Nov

2009-11-13T14:46:00.001Z

The Minervas celebrated only 1000 miles to go last night at the grand HALFWAY cocktail party. Surprise celebrity guest appearances from Dame Edna Everidge, cleverly disguised as Rory (the only personin the whole ondeck fleet with a red night light - OUTSIDE - his cabin) and a special appearance from Braveheart with Graham (Mel Gibson). Dame Edna shimmied up the mainmast for a group shot with a fish eye lens camera. Donning masks (thanks Tim) and moustaches (thanks Bev), the group listened and sang along to some mind Atlantic old faithfuls from, the Black Eyed Peas, Amy Winehouse, Groove Armada, whilst Monkey taught us ol' sea shanties such as - My Rhubarb Refuses to Rise.

Spent some time on our usual debate on dining out or in tonight. Graham (Masterchef) kept us on board with a terrific Spag Bol - and a freshly made half way carrot cake - washed down with bottle of port.... ahhhh alcohol - followed up with a melon laced with Baileys. Everyone dressed up in their best "black tie" swimming trunks and cocktail water wings - looked very smart. Vic taught us all THE CAT - a dance which is a very complex number with its roots in spanish flamenco. Also the team learnt an old Cape Verde routine called "Pieds de la Tigre" -modernized to TIGER FEET - known to 70's pop group MUD Fans worldwide.

Our very own philosopher JP Sartre (Ian) got us all thinking with his thought for the day - "Bloody good Melon."

Ate the last of the fresh meat - down to hard tack and our last twelve cases of Margaux. Spirits very high - everyone having fun and getting on really well and spending a lot of time doing very little - nice to be in pole position but with 1295 nm under our belt and 776 to go a lot of sailing left to do. Overhauled ISIS late yesterday as they had problems with their kite. Race on !!

I stil cant beiieve it - pinch me - we are in the middle of the blooming Atlantic

Regads to all - especially Tracy, Emma, Amanda, Sarah and Joanna xx - Paul

also some best wishes to

Kayleigh - good luck in your exams next week - Mummy and Daddy (Julian and Alitta) also to Luke and Tom - miss you and brush your teeth

Hector - Bring on the Orange BIG X - love Mum (Bridget)

Adam - God luck in your exams - Dad (Andy)

Simon - miss you - love you Victoria xxx

All Maxed Out

2009-11-12T18:45:00.001Z

Yesterday closed with team Minerva's first official knot challenge...creator and master of games Dave, and his ajudicator Rory put the team to the test at sundown, against the pleas for more practice time.

After few abismal disqualifictions (myself included) Andy Maxey, closley followed by Ian, took the title and was crowned the Minerva knot pro, and was awarded a mini bottle of champers...just enough to wet the taste buds!!

Later on making it a double whammy for Maxey and show us all up completely, Andy broke the crew record to reach 17.1kn at about 11pm - albeit in the wrong direction causing us to almost broach, good effort though.... Wednesday was clearly Maxey's day!

'I see...I see ISIS!'

Team Minerva awoke this morning to the news that we have reached the half way point and with Isis back in our sights...we are now at 'halfway party day' -1000 down, and 1000 to go!!

Tim, we're thinking of you and have your outfits ready for tonight's disco on deck!I

Amongst all of the excitement an early morning gybe was called to alter Minerva onto a more southerly course. Although this was not without issues as our Pole kept tripping - but we are now to a port tack and cruising ahead at an average of 10kn. Were now playing cat and mouse with Isis as they are now just few miles way on the horizon.

We'd all like to thank Bev, for the roll of crap jokes that are keeping us entertained, from fishes with no i's to cowboys and squids!

The girls have also been entertaining the rest of the crew with their 'workout on deck' providing plenty of interesting content and moves for our new video - watch this space!

Crap joke of the day - 'What lies at the bottom of the ocean and twitches? A nervous wreck!'

Thanks everyone for all your messages, they are appreciated so keep them coming!

Lots of love to everyone especially the Davison's- until tomorrow..over and out!

Alex and the crew xxx

1200 miles from Barbados

2009-11-11T14:31:00.001Z

and just sitting down to our Port aperitif when Juno called to advise that they had been hit by 40 knot gusts and had shredded their spinnaker when they broached!

Drinks down and all hands on deck to take down our spinnaker in rain and with black clouds descending, to swap to Staysail and Genoa.

Cup of tea later (1/2 hour in other words - just in time for the spinnaker to have been all wrapped up and stowed away, when wind dies away again and skipper decides it's safe to put spinnaker back up.

Chilli beans, rice and doritos for dinner. Disco on deck until midnight but guess the dolphins didn't approve of the taste in music as no sign of them tonight. However, lots of incredible shootng stars all night long.

By daybreak we have caught up Isis and are neck to neck, with us in a more favourable southerly position. Diana is now the one to watch - long way behind but deep south so could be interesting!

Laundry day - Charlotte lost her bikini bottoms to the wind!

Crew settling into watch patterns but still strugging with heat below deck and subsequent lack of sleep for some.

Victoria achieved a top speed so far of 16.2 knots !

Mum - good luck the hospital on Friday. Will be thinking of you x

Lots of love to all our families and friends.

Charlotte - team Minerva

FARR AT SEA

2009-11-10T16:24:00.001Z

Last night closed with a beautiful sunset and surprise Pina Coladas prepared by Graham. All enjoyed the sundowner drinks and chicken fajitas on deck. Dolphins were seen on either side of the boat following us.

The evening was much warmer than previous nights and it did not rain. Isis are on the horizon and they were getting bigger all of the time. They are 5 miles ahead and 6 miles to the South of us. 1,392 miles to Barbados and we are averaging 9 knots in the right direction.

Team Minerva even managed a Spinnaker change in the dark. Everyone is still on board, well and plain sailing. All are settling into the daily routines including showering on deck and waiter service.

This morning we enjoyed eggs on toast and are currently working on our knots to win a bottle of champagne.

Paul calculated that our first broken mug would take 4 hours to get to the bottom of the Atlantic, falling at 3 feet per second. Then after 3 hours to implode. We have left him there to let us know if this is correct (just kidding Paul's family).

Can someone please text 'Alan' on 'Juno' to say Halooo and that Brad Pitt has fallen off of his motorbike? We are all missing everyone back home and hope that Tim arrives home safe and well.

We would love to hear from you Tim or someone to let us know of his arrival.

Love to Simon, Mum, Dad and Mark, family and friends.

Victoria - Team Minerva

Day 3 -"Happy Mondays - I'm a believer"

2009-11-09T19:01:00.001Z

Another beautiful sunset, 80"s dance music, a banquet of mustard pork and mash washed down with desalinated water with a hint of lime.

With lighter winds forecast than on our voyage so far, down to 17 knots we kept the kite up, which in all its splendor steadily pulled through the night at an average 10 knots towards our final destination; rum, sand, sea and a refreshing shower!

We are now narrowing the gap, at 18 miles yesterday, with our nemisis Isis, due to them having a mishap with their main sail and broke their pole. We are now just 11 miles behind.

At 10:14 this morning our position was 16.53N 031.53W just 1700 miles to go!

Everyone is settling down to the routine, the shift pattern is working well, and although extremely hot everyone is starting to sleep well.

The days mainly work around the task of drinking tea, cooking, sunbathing and eating, which everyone seems to manage with ease.

Last night we had our first sighting of dolphins, who kindly put on a spectacular show lit up with the phospherescence in our bow waves. After another late invasion of flying fish we went through some rain and a bit of a bumpy ride as the wind decided which direction it wanted to come from.

After three days, we decided it was wash day, so with the fire hose on deck we all showered under the early morning sun, even those who did not need (want) it. The air seems surprisingly fresher again today.

Mr Maxey showed great excitement after finding a new potential career, the heads have never looked so clean.

As we write this blog (1600hrs Monday), we just caught two Dorados, we think they were attracted by the rave music blarring out of the deck speakers.

Everyone is well, in very high spirits and just loving the experience.

I'd like to make a special 'love and miss you' to our children Kayleigh, Luke and Tom - see you soon.

Julian, Alita and the crew of the The Spirit of Minerva.

A SUNDAY AFTERNOON

2009-11-08T18:33:00.001Z

We were given a fine farewell yesterday as we sailed first over the start line, and waved goodbye to Tim.

We settled down to a great evening of fast sailing and large waves under sail. Team Minerva ate a delicious meal of Moroccan chicken to the sounds of Moby after settling into our watches.

Bridg reached 15.4 knots surfing down a wave, but unfortunately Isis gained ground and took the lead from us overnight. We are now catching them up fast.

The dawn was broken by the smell of frying bacon and a flying fish jumping into the kitchen and just missing the frying pan. Alex, Victoria, Bridg and Charlie were dutifully holding down the sails in their bikinis (the most exercise they have done today). We are cruising along in beautiful sunshine, good wind and are looking forward to drinks at sunset.

Dave - Team Minerva

Hi y'all, Andy here for Team Minerva

2009-11-07T21:22:00.001Z

Day 1 and we're all still alive! Race start at midday was hairy and fun filled with all four boats jockying to cross the line bang on the money to get the smallest of advantage. Don't ask me who crossed first and who's first now (20:40) cos it's pitch black and the boats are already strung out over quite a few miles.

Saddest thing for us is that Tim didn't make it across the start line at CVI. He hasn't been his usual self and yesterday went to the doc's to find he has a bronchial infection, and he and Ondeck decided it wouldn't be safe for him to continue, so he's going home when he can get a flight. Pants, but the right decison and we'll miss him and his warped sense of humour! All the best from us all Tim and get well soon.

For all JPMC folk, Alan Logan is on one of the other boats - trying to get his sea miles under his belt so he can qualify for his Yachtmaster's - really good to see him but a shame he's going to come in (at least) second.

What a blast and what hard work - I'm knackered!

Hi to all F+F of the crew - special H+Ks to Pam, Soph, Adam and Alex - you were right to send me packing for a few weeks - fantastic!

tara
Andy

NEWSFLASH:

2009-11-01T17:00:00.000Z

5 lives were saved at sea last night thanks to the quick reactions of Minerva crew members George and Sarah...

Of course all human crewmembers are alive and kicking (if not a little sunburnt...) but the lives saved last night were those of some unfortunate flying fish which happened to land on deck. Not only did some flying fish land ondeck but George, Monkey and Guy were all also hit by these fish 'mid-flight' across the deck.

It has been another fantastic day in paradise for all aboard... champagne sailing! We are currently on course for the Cape Verdes with full main and poled out no.3. Big waves have meant perfect surfing conditions and the highest speed so far is 20.8kts by Rory!

Last night was halloween which meant lots of fun and games around the boat, most crew found scary face balloons in their bunks but Rob found someone had defaced his and drawn rude pictures on it. Rob also found an interesting extract from a magazine pinned up in his bunk.

Monkey`s latex friend was raveged by Rorys long prick!
I should explain - Monkey was in his cabin with his balloon and Rory, Rob and me were on deck with a needle taped to the end of boat hook, monkeys cabin window was open - I'm sure you can figure out the rest!

Special mention to Graham for his delicious Key Lime Pie.

All Crew are well, Louise says "Hi" to her Dad, I say "Hi" to my parents.

Cant wait to get into the bar in the Verdes, shouldnt be too long now...

Love to all friends and family, From all of Minerva,
Speak soon,
George

It's another great day in paradise...

2009-10-31T14:37:00.000Z

Dolphins last night, lots of flying fish and a turtle this morning.

WOOHHHH - Its fantastic. The flying fish are like jewels floating across the water, in their silver and blue outfits. The food is very special with Graham doing an excellent job.

The weather is getting warmer as we get further south, which means less clothing and more skin, which is not a great look on this crew.

Robert, Rory, and Sarah have been getting into a bit of trouble for too many japes and laughter on their watch.

OH DEAR - Only a few more days to go until we are back in real world having to make decisions again. I think the toughest one on this trip has been shall we eat the packet of kitkats or twix. This dilema was as easily dealt with by eating them both, EASY TIGER, and we all dreamt that we would loose weight on this trip!!!!

Adios until tomorrow.

708 miles to go

2009-10-29T12:55:00.001Z

The spinnaker is finally up. There was much deliberation, but as soon as Isis was spotted on the horizon hoisting, up she went. Gently rolling along now at 9ish knots. The right decision.

Dorado turned out to be a fine dish for those brave enough to try and "william", our preferred lure, is out plying his trade again. All happy to see Tenerife disappear out of sight as it gives the impression of good progress.
Some of the crew are in a celebratory mood and have decided to have a wash. A few more dolphin companions late in the evening to keep us company but wildlife surprisingly scarce.

Minerva

845 Miles to Mindelo

2009-10-28T12:38:00.002Z

We have reached the Canary Islands and having come around the north east peninsular of Tenerife, we are now following the coast to the southerly tip of the island where we will leave land behind again. The wind picked up last evening and we managed to do some sailing but the engine was necessary to get us around the island. We seem to have been following Isis for most of the way so far, but feel confident we'll get closer and get ahead once we get going under sail again. Last night we managed to catch another small tuna, but this time Sushi was on the menu, expertly prepared by Guy and luckily, we had wasabe and soy sause to complete the dish - delicious. This morning, in the bright sunshine, we caught a Dordado which will be on the menu later along with Graham's special orange flapjacks! Dolphins were spotted on the 3am watch but only by the trail of phospherous in the water, a beautiful sight in the dark. And still, all is well.

Louise and the crew of Minerva.

938 miles to go

2009-10-27T13:41:00.001Z

After a few warm days in Madeira where were were made truly welcome by the Mayor and friends at the Clube Naval do Madeira, we made final preparations to start our journey south.

We were sad to say au revoir to Juno who had to stay behind for a day, but we were pleased to welcome Frans and Sarah to Minerva for this leg.

Our 3 watch system started as soon as we were under way and we have fallen into the routine well. Rory and his watch who had the 6am-9am shift this morning managed to catch a tuna but it was only a small one so we threw it back, hoping for a bigger one later on. Graham's promised that he will cook us delicious fresh tuna for dinner!

We are currently motoring due to very light winds and are on course to pass through the Canaries tonight where we hope to pick up more wind to get the headsail back up. But the sun is shining and we are in good company so all is well.

Love to all our friends and family

Louise Kirk

Leg 2 kicked off with a short race

2009-10-26T22:47:00.001Z

and Minerva's all new crew got stuck in straight away.

No match for the winner - the mighty Isis, though their crew have been honing their team skills all the way from Portmouth with only a couple of new additions.

Running under engine into the night head to wind south to the Canaries where we should see land by Tues tea time.

Greetings to all the friends and families back home from Minerva with its dwindling cargo of crisps and chocolate!

Sarah

Oh it's all changed here

2009-10-20T15:49:00.002+01:00

Very different now to the previous blog. At about 2am this morning the wind began to fill in, so all hands where called on deck (pardon the pun!) to drop our very large No.1 headsail and change to our smaller No.3 headsail.

This (credit to all the crew) went very well and we did not lose much ground on the others. We where soon back up to speed and hot on the tail of the other boats on the horizon.

As daylight appeared we found ourselves not chasing the fleet but actually being chased by Isis (the only boat now visible). The wind is now around 25kts from the west making it difficult to make a good course to Madeira.

At the moment it looks like we will arrive around 12 hours from now, meaning arriving some time between 3-4am. Despite being a little cold and wet now everyone is well and, I believe, enjoying themselves.

Look out Madeira here we come!

Rory (minerva)

Tuesday Morning on Minerva

2009-10-19T10:19:00.002+01:00

I had to pleasure of waking up for my watch this morning with the smell of bacon on the go. It is a beautiful morning with flat seas and just 10kts of wind.

We have our No.1 headsail up at the moment and are sitting at a fairly continuous 8-9kts boat speed. We can see two boats on the horizon and are pulling out all stops to catch them.

It has definitely been the best sailing we have had yet and I cant stop myself from smiling.

As i write we have just under 340miles left to go, and from our latest weather update we are due some stronger wind early Tuesday, so much to look forward to.

Regards to all

Rory

We are off and moving again

2009-10-18T13:17:00.001+01:00

all be it rather slowly under full main and largest headsail we are doing 4.5kts south.

Winds are looking light till tomorrow midday, but with blue skys and just enough wind to keep moving we are all very happy to be at sea again giving us at least 3 days to detox before arriving in the beautifull island of Madeira which is about 480 miles away.

Love from all the crew, hope to see you all on arrival

good ship Minerva

This is a good place to be in October

2009-10-16T18:34:00.001+01:00

it is sunny with temperatures around 25C.

Everyone is enjoying themselves in one way or another; some read, others somehow can't seem to get away from their laptops, while some of us do nothing. Graham however is regularly busy in the galley preparing lunch or dinner something which is greatly appreciated by all on board.

Yesterday we spent the day in Cascais after a hot shower and having cleaned the boat.

All of us appreciated the hospitality at the Beefeater bar and enjoyed several beers sitting out in the sun.

Today started very promisingly with 20 knots of wind from the East. We all set off for Lisbon to start our race to Vilamoura. The great sailing weather looked as if it would hold. We hoisted the stay sail and later even got the spinnaker up.

This fun lasted until we reached Cabo Espichel, about 16 miles south of Lisbon. Here the wind disapeared completely so we had to stop rhe race and declared Juno who had followed a course closer to shore the winner.

At the moment we are motoring 30 miles south of Lisbon hoping that the wind will pick up again.

Love to all our family and friends back home - thanks for all the messages.

Gerard Mulder

Off to Cascais

2009-10-14T14:28:00.000+01:00

After a pretty wet delivery trip, the sun is well and truly shinning now and everyone is up on deck in t-shirts and shorts enjoying the Portugese weather and another delicious lunch whipped up by our Masterchef second mate, Graham.

The trip to Porto involved more and heavier rain than I have ever seen outside of the tropics, as well as wind on the on the nose the whole way, but it was a fantastic opportunity to brush up our skills and see how robust the Farrs are. Nonetheless, the warm welcome in Porto, which has a beautiul old town and fantastic beaches, was gratefully received, as was the opportunity to get out of our permnently wet (and inceasingly smelly!) oil skins and put on a bikini instead.

Predictably, too much wine and beer was consumed on arrival, but we have now fully recovered and are ready to cope with life at 45 degrees again... that would be if there was any wind! Unfortunately my wishes for a flat, calm sail have come a little too true and we're having to motor to Cascais at present. No doubt it will pick up soon and either way travelling down the Portugese coast is a pleasure I would recommend to anyone.

Fingers crossed for a little more wind to speed us to Cascais, but not too much (I'm difficult to please!). From a previous Ondeck delivery trip we know that the hospitality there will be just as good as Porto and surely after 24 hours at sea we deserve another bottle of wine or two, even if it has been plain sailing??!

Sarah Bowman

happy belated birthday to Rory's mum

We can see land!!!

2009-10-07T18:52:00.002+01:00

We are about 9miles away from Porto now, after what seems like a very long trip.

After rounding Finisterre we went off shore in the hope to be able to make Porto in one tack. However a few hours after we tacked the wind changed, meaning we ended up going back to Finisterre. A whole 12 hours wasted!

We are now looking forward to meeting up with the other crews for a few quiet social drinks...hahahahaha

Tuesday

2009-10-06T17:55:00.001+01:00

A wise man once said that sailing was the fine art of getting cold and wet whilst slowly going nowhere!

Despite climbing continuously in and out of forever wet gear, and having to spend three hours on deck helming in very challanging seas, moral on the boat is still high.

We have now crossed the renownd Bay of Biscay and are still in one piece and are currently positioned off C. Finisterre.

The miles to Porto seem to be dropping quicker and quicker, and a nice cold Portuguese beer seems closer and closer. Spirits are high and everyones enjoying themselves.

Rory

Hello from Minerva

2009-10-05T21:55:00.002+01:00

A rollercoaster ride - with a pleasant day leaving the Solent but things soon turned into a washing machine with 35kt winds and big seas. We had a eventful time on the foredeck changing sails and getting very very wet.

Life onboard is never easy at 25 degrees. even making a cup of tea beomes a big effort. But despite the hard weather everyone has been coping well and we have been averaging 9kts most of the time, making good ground on Porto.

Half way across the Bay of Biscay now and we have seen both whales and dophins. Everyone is looking forward to a nice drink on arrival in Porto, and can almost smell it!

Rory and the Minerva crew