Dakar, here we come!
By Sharon Ferris-Choat
Forecast is a test! Downwind teaser to take the South option for upwind sailing to Dakar, there's 33 knots of wind and 2.5 - 3m wave's on the northern side that we are avoiding this side but the wind is from 16 - 33 knots depending how it come's off the mountains. Wave's only 1m.
Average is 20 knots of wind which is nice, with a decreasing wind and waves in the forecast. We started with 3 reefs and a staysail and then went to the storm jib when we changed to a close hauled course. We have 5 including Mindelo Cape Verde Island's to pass (47nm) to our next way point, then we head to the north of Boavista. From there it east to Point Bernard - Dakar 456nm!
It's warm and wet upstairs, we are in our watches and getting ready for sunset. Driving and trimming while looking for lobster pots and boats! Thank you Mindelo it was a pleasure to discover you finally after racing past you so many times!
