Hello everyone
We are finally going to know our results when we have Cabo Frio to one side of us (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). There are now all different tactics and strategies to get to the north in whatever way we choose, especially in the next three days that are showing variable winds and areas of calm all along this area on the way up to Cabo Frio…
My option to continue more eastwards is now looking good and I hope that it is indeed the case, but it might not be so in five days time and those on the inside can then make a quick recovery. I have preferred to go for the outside option: the option to go further in to the coast might be good, like it worked for Alex, but I think this generally works just 1 in 10 times.
I think it is going to be interesting for the spectators to follow our evolution on each position report from now on.
On board life has improved a great deal – the water temperature has risen from 9 to 17 degrees in just one day and this has changed everything. I think the nights of 10 degrees are over until we get back up north again, and I have to admit that I’m pretty happy about that. I’m looking forward to shaving my beard a little and having a shower but I’m going to wait until the water gets to 22 degrees.
The energy system is still working perfectly but I’m now using the hydro-generators more because the sails give the panels more shade on this northern route, and there are also now less hours of sunlight. But I’m still charging them practically every day to 100%.
Sometimes I don’t realize the real repercussions of sailing with such a new system on board, but it is incredible that we have got to where we are and sailing without even using one single litre of diesel! Five years ago this would have been unthinkable…
I have also installed an electronic reflector radar so I am bigger on people’s radars; it also advises me if there are any radars in the area. I have used the support of the emergency weather-vane to give it some height and a better reception. There aren’t that many merchant ships in this area but it’s better to have everything ready.
