Nov 6, 7 and 8 - what a difference a few days make....

Wind increases....

Our overnight was uneventful but this mornings weather reports indicates that a gale has formed near Bermuda and the effects will be felt well south - thats where we are!!!




As the day progressed the winds increased from 8 to 10 knots into the 25 to 30 knot range. 




This weather is not exactly what the colour brochure had for us ... but other than being a tad rolly in 25 to 30 gusts to 35 from the NNE. We are chasing down all the clanging cupboard contents! So grateful for the full enclosure as the 10+ foot waves smack us broadside - nice and dry inside. We are under staysail and double reefed main. Everyone is doing great on board even though a tad tired as we try to get used to sleeping with the racket on board.

Not a clear shot but will give you an idea......

sorry for the reflection in the enclosure .... 

Waves breaking over the bow and onto the dodger VERY frequently!!

All is good on board even though the conditions are NOT what was forecasted or expected. Winds have been N or NW 25 to 30 with gusts to 38! Waves are now 20 feet with a 13 sec period between. You know how comfortable downwind sailing is in waves! UGH!! 

Sail selection for this weather is our Victoria Secret kit ..... a thong in front and a thong in the back!! Staysail and 3 reefs in the main sail. 

Overnight we see winds a steady 35 to 40 knots and gusts as high as 50!!!!! Darkness does NOT make for a warm and comfortable feeling in winds this high. You see nothing other than the instruments and you stare for hours at the making sure that autopilot does its job well and that more adjustments are not required to sail trim. 

Winds are to be lighter Tuesday,  but the waves will still be 15 feet so we will see how that goes. Either way we will be in BVI soon and the rum will be great!