Tuesday, 11 May 2004
Noon Position : N W
Course: various Speed: 9 knots Days Run : 257 miles in 24 hours
Weather : Squalls out in the Gulf Stream Wind : 085 degrees 25 knots
News: Shortly after lunch yesterday we came around the west end of Cuba and straight into trouble. We had 2 to 2.5 knots of current against us and not much wind so headed out offshore to look for the gulf stream. By daybreak today we were passing Havana, 25 miles to the south, and started to get a push from the Stream, which gradually increased until we had nearly 3 knots pushing us at times. Unfortunately the wind has kicked in from almost dead ahead causing huge seas with the wind against current. We are shipping large amounts of water over the bow and it is most uncomfortable. At one time we were down to 6 knots of boat speed to try and ease the pounding. We also have had to bear away a bit for a better angle but it only helps a small amount. Roll on Fort Lauderdale! We have 145 miles to go at noon today so will arrive in the early hours tomorrow, hopefully.
The good news is that we have caught 5 dorado (mahi mahi) all between 12 and 20 pounds and hope to trade them for a free meal with one of the restaurants when we arrive.
We are battened down and plugging on.
Regards = PW