The weather predicted is a gentle 12 knots, escalating to perhaps 16, a steady slow wave will follow us from our port back quarter. The sun is shining and 26 degrees is reported on land, which is quite different to what we will receive out at sea. All lines have been removed from the cleats which secured Irradiance to the dock while fenders are detached and stowed, we won't be requiring these for the next 5 days at least.
For now we are all settling into our role on board, Peter and Diane regaining their helming skills together with handling and manoeuvring of Irradiance, they have been in port since October and therefore will take time to gain that confidence once again
We are finding our feet in their normal sailing pattern, this is always a balance of us having quite a few years of skill and experience to changing our thought process to being supportive and efficient crew.
The sea is calm and there is very little wind to escort us on our first 10 nautical miles (nms) the engines are both used initially to manoeuvre us out of the marina, as the boat gains momentum we drop down to one engine which minimises fuel consumption. The bow is a beautiful temperature to sit and enjoy the winter sun, our pasty white bodies soak up the warmth and it feels amazing. Waves build in power, tumbling over one another and helpfully push us forward adding to our speed. At between 5 and 6 knots we follow the coastline around this picturesque island. Wind farms on the south western tip highlight an acceleration zone of which we are mindful. The land has a huge effect on the wind pattern and can encourage huge changes to the gusts flowing down onto the sea.
Once we pass this slightly precarious area of turbulent wind, at 17.20hrs Peter is happy to hoist the gennaker sail, a large white canvas which in light winds (5-7 knots at the moment) will capture every puff and gust and ensure it adds to our speed, 7.5 engine hours used so far. It looks fabulous, a bright white sail against the dark blue ocean and a contrasting vivid blue sky.
Our attention is drawn to a lively pod of around 12 dolphins, they are average sized and their sleek bodies cut through each wave with ease. Rolling and undulating between the breaking crests, they are so fast despite their lack of apparent effort. Such beautiful harmless creatures, we cannot help but smile watching their enthusiasm and grace.
They stay with us for over an hour, dipping and diving, whilst we all power through the growing waves.
Our first shift starts from 19.00 hrs we have 6 hrs on watch then 6 hrs off, this 6 hrs is shared between Kevin and I, we choose to stay awake together until we are confident in the boat handling and sail management. The Gennaker is a new sail for us, we need to be a little more on guard as to wind strength and wave direction this evening. At 23.15hrs we lose the last twinkling light from the island of Gran Canaria, our only view for the next few days will be of waves, wildlife and as occasional vessel. Our shift passes quietly only one ship to keep a look out for, it travels at 14.7 knots of speed, whilst we meander along at 5 knots, we didn't need to watch him for long! The night is warm as there is little wind, we are blessed with a stunning full moon to illuminate the whole sea which guarantees a comfortable start to the journey.
By 11.10am on day 2 we have covered 120nms, perhaps a leisurely pace in comparison to other Viking Explorers but it feels safe and manageable for all on board.
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