[password]seabird14
[position] 11 18.4 N 059 27.8 W
[heading] 290T
[speed] 7.2kts
[weather] 15 kts ENE, seas 1.8m NE, cc 40%, 1017 mb, 86F
[status] DAY 27 137 nm to Grenanda. Stbd run sgl rf main and jib poled out to windward, 7.2kts at 290T. With 140 nm to go it is time o start planning our arrival. If the wind holds as forecast we should arrive just outside St David's Bay shortly after sunrise tomorrow. Without the use of our engine, however, getting to the anchorage is going to require a bit of tricky sailing. The half mile long bay itself is on the southeast part of the island and trends NNW. The channel is only about 500 feet wide and is lined with reefs on both sides. Once through the relatively short channel the bay opens slightly but with other anchored vessels, a mooring field and the ubiquitous reefs along the margins there is not much room for error. But even before we sail into this mish mash of hazards we have to get the main down outside. With no engine this means hardening up to a close reach into the 7 foot 7 second swell under the staysail alone and then letting go the main halyard and hoping the sail drops of its own weight. And finally, once we are in we have to pick a spot, bleed off our speed and drop the hook. One way or the other it is cold beers and lunch ashore. The only person that is more concerned that we are is the underwriter at Lloyds.
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