After an exhilarating start, we were off! We had to motor for about 4 hours as the wind dropped while we sailed around Gran Canaria. Once we rounded the island, we hoisted the sails, and the wind began to move us along.
The sea was around 4-5 feet with winds at 12 knots. During the night, the wind picked up, making our first day quite breezy and rolling. Our skipper provided the morning update for the race group:
Boat Name: Isabel
Position: N26’20 W016’44
Wind: NE 16-22 kts
Sea State: 1-1.5M Swell
Sail Plan: Wing on wing
Speed: 8kts
Info: One failed parasailor hoist followed by an extended period unknotting nylon & lines on a rolly foredeck watched by 5-6 amused dolphins
Later that day, we made another attempt to hoist the parasailor, but the wind conditions were too challenging to manage. Some dolphins were spotted later as well. Cooking continues to be tricky with all the rolling, but the crew remains in good spirits, and everyone is getting plenty of rest.
After the first day, we slipped into 2nd place in our division. But this race is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.
We appreciate all the well wishes and thank you for following our adventure!
Team picture taken from the Farewell Party
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Yea! Such an adventure.
We will try to make the Southerly group proud.