I had my easiest doldrum crossing ever yesterday with only 2 big black clouds and a slight slow down. I was lucky that as I was crossing the area the doldrums were moving south and I was quickly into the north easterly trade winds. Feels great to have ticked off the doldrums and now the last hurdle should be the high pressure system before I get into the westerly’s for the final stretch to the finish.
The weather files I get for as far forward as 10 days and this morning’s route has me 400 miles from the finish after 10 days, its going to be great to see the route finish before the end. the weather files have consistently shown the same route through the high pressure system which gives me some confidence and it does not look too bad. Its still 5 days away so it could all change.
The wind has just shifted from the NE to the ENE NE and am tight reaching as close to north as I can get. Its pretty rough and consequently the boat is taking a bit of a pounding but not much I can do about that.
I made a load of water yesterday and had a wash, my skin breathed a sigh of relief I can tell you. I have a very itchy rash all up my arms and legs from exposure to salt in the humid conditions. I have never had it so bad but in a couple of days when it cools off it should go. Just need to not itch it!
Overnight as I exited the doldrums and got into the new breeze it was very gusty so required a lot of attention for me, not much sleep but i dont care, great to be in the trade winds. The heat affects the sleeping but also the amount I eat, both of which I do more at night when the cabin cools down to 30 degrees. Wont be long until i am back in the thermals, I actually cant wait!
