Rubicon Antigua Challenge 2004

Crossing the 'big' Atlantic Ocean

Day One

Position 27 29.25N 015 45.49W
Boat Time 10.50am
Wind Speed 16knots Direction 073
Boat Speed 7.1knots Heading 235
Weather SUNSHINE

The first 24hours are almost over, we're Southeast of Gran Canaria and can still see Oyster Rose off our starboard bow.

The start yesterday was good, the wind was light and eventually moved behind us and we were able to put the asymmetric up, we passed to the west of Fuerta Ventura and were gently pulling away from the rest of the fleet.... disaster struck and we sailed right into a huge hole, we then watched Sticky Paws, Arvik Gran Canaria & Oyster Rose follow us in. After us all trying to sail out of it spinnakers flapping everywhere, they eventually all came down and the motors came on.

We then found ourselves motoring into the night with no more than 5 knots of wind. My watch saw the occasional dolphins lazily swimming along with us. By 7.30am the wind had picked up to a constant 12knots and we were able to turn the engine off and have been making good speed since then.

Today is beautiful, there is not a cloud in the sky and last night and this morning we had the perfect sunset and sunrise from the horizon. Everyone is very happy enjoying the good weather and good sailing.

Day Three

Position 22 57.38N 019 29.71W
Boat Time 8.10am
Wind Speed 16knots Direction 070
Boat Speed 7.3knots Heading 220
Sails Full Main and poles out no.4 jib
Weather SUNSHINE, 3 clouds
Miles to go 2418nm

Day 2 and 3 have passed so fast. The wind has stayed with us and boat speed has easily stayed over 6.5 knots. We're settling nicely into our watches and we're all getting to know each other a bit better.

Yesterday Big Matt was my helper and he made a fine fresh bread for lunch and together we made an even finer aubergine and spinach lasagne last night. Ann is in the kitchen today another fresh loaf on the menu.

We have had VHF contact with Rubber Squid, they are about 50 miles north of us and having a good time, we are going to try and speak to them after 11am again today. They also spoke to Spindrift and Jobber but we only heard one side of the conversations.

We've had the sails set for 2 days now and we are still heading south to avoid the low pressure system mid Atlantic. We're all enjoying the hand steering, Haim & Gil are particularly tough to get off the wheel, even after their watch! Haim has also been sharing his chicken impressions with us and now thinks that maybe his sickness tablets have made him stoned! Or maybe he's just going crazy, he is currently singing at the top of his voice from the wheel, obviously happy!

Day Four

Position 21 19.17N 022 22.98W
Boat Time 10.40am
Wind Speed 16.9knots Direction 061
Boat Speed 7.6knots Heading 255
Sails Full Main and poles out no.4 jib
Weather Sunshine & clouds
Miles to go 2255nm

Another beautiful day! Last night we had our first clouds and we still have some floating round this morning. Its still hot out there and sunscreen is a must. Everyone is very settled in and sleeping well although myself and Haim both had some strange dreams last night!

Big Matt has become Big Mac and now we're thinking that Biggie will be just fine. The problem started with 2 Matt's on the boat and there was no way that Captain Matt was going to get a nickname so it has filled us with great amusement thinking up one for Matt Shaw. No doubt by tomorrow it will have changed again.

Ann's bread yesterday was superb, her and Biggie have now decided in a bake-off! Which is good news for the rest of us!

We saw another sailing boat at dusk, it had a huge white spinnaker we're thinking it might have been one of the Volvo 60s doing the ARC. This morning we can also see a sailing boat but they are too far away to try and get a good peak at them through the binoculars.

Gil and I saw a few dolphin fins last night but the moon was so bright it was quite difficult as they were directly in its reflection. Fishing line is out today and we're feeling very confident that fish could be on the menu tonight!

Day Five

Position 20 04.50N 024 43.68W
Boat Time 10.30am
Wind Speed 9.5knots Direction 041
Boat Speed 6.1knots Heading 263
Sails Full Main and asymmetric kite
Weather Sunshine & light clouds
Miles to go 2124nm

Its crazy days on Disco. Firstly Happy Thanksgiving! Yesterday we passed Oyster Rose we didn't realise it was them until we received the evening positions. We saw another 2 sailing boats in the day and then a stationary ship last night.

Yesterday afternoon we took down the no.4 jib and put the no.2 up, and about an hour ago we took that down and have put the kite up. We're still moving so can't complain.

Spoke with Rubber Squid for a brief moment last night before we lost each other, they are right with us, must try and raise them on the VHF again today.

Another sunny day, plenty of sunscreen needed. Hoping to reach those trade winds soon.....

Day Six

Position 18 39.35N 027 22.39W
Boat Time 12.00pm
Wind Speed 12.9knots Direction 079
Boat Speed 7.7knots Heading 228
Sails Full Main and asymmetric kite
Weather Sunshine & light clouds
Miles to go 1976nm

What a day. Shortly after going on watch we saw a whale! We also had dolphins, beef stew, Irish truffles, Cava and a flying fish in the cockpit! So plenty to keep everyone amused!

Gil's bread yesterday was top shagga, so I think he is now currently winning the bake-off. Biggie is back in the kitchen today and I think his task will be blueberry muffins this afternoon.

We brought the kite down last night and put the no.2 back up and then swapped them again at 9 this morning. We are currently making good speed after a very slow afternoon yesterday. Last night was better and now everything is A OK.

Day Seven

Position 17 11.80N 029 40.65W
Boat Time 10.54pm
Wind Speed 16.9knots Direction 105
Boat Speed 7.6knots Heading 276
Sails Full Main and poled out No.2 jib
Weather Cloudy
Miles to go 1849nm

Another day over. Yesterday afternoon we had the delights of cappuccinos and hot blueberry muffins.

The breeze picked up through the night and has been over 15 knots since about 7.30am.

Last night we left the side hatches open as it was so hot and a flying fish managed to make its way inside and was luckily found by Matt who was walking through the galley at the time, who managed to catch him quickly and get him back in the sea.

I think we will all enjoy the cloud cover today, saved from another day of scorching sunshine.

Heard from Dan from 'Off the Hook' and they are having a good time and have reported that the rest of the fleet have been using their engines, our decision to come this far south seems to be working so far. (thanks Anthony) as we have not used the motor since the first night off of Fuerta Ventura.

Day Eight

Position 15 58.80N 031 25.29W
Boat Time 10.23am
Wind Speed 12.9knots Direction 078
Boat Speed 6.2knots Heading 259
Sails Full Main and poled out No.2 jib
Weather Cloudy
Miles to go 1756nm

Having had great breeze yesterday morning it was all gone by lunchtime, we were listening to the sails banging as we went over each wave. Luckily it picked up slightly overnight and we started to move faster than 3knots again! Yippee

We caught our first fish!!! I forgot to mention the 2 that got away. The first time the line came in it was empty and the fish had bitten through the wire trace and the following day we were missing half a hook! Our dorado wasn't large but it made fantastic sushi as a warm up to dinner. Haim was amazed that he actually liked it!

Today is overcast again, we are enjoying the cool day so far but no doubt by lunchtime it will be as hot as an oven out there.

Nothing special planned for today, everyone seems a little sleepy.

We don't seem to be getting any closer to Antigua, good job there are no flights booked and no one really wants this adventure to end.

Day Nine

Position 15 11.67N 033 57.67W
Boat Time 12.03pm
Wind Speed 16.8knots Direction 104
Boat Speed 8.2knots Heading 269
Sails Full Main and Asymmetric Kite
Weather Sunny
Miles to go 1615nm

Another beautiful day, we have been spoilt this year although we still have a way to go. Another slow afternoon and evening yesterday with the wind picking up in the early hours and has gradually increased.

Haim has made our fresh bread for lunch today which is currently baking and smelling gorgeous.

No fish yesterday, just a ship in the night.

Changing the clocks today which will hopefully give me another hour off watch to read some more of my book. Very peaceful on the boat today.

Day Ten

Position 14 10.54N 036 54.86W
Boat Time 11.16am
Wind Speed 18.5knots Direction 090
Boat Speed 7.9knots Heading 260
Sails Full Main and poled-out No.2 jib
Weather Sunny
Miles to go 1454nm

Another glorious morning on the mighty Disco. Haim and Biggie are on watch while the others are all in their cabins reading or snoozing.

Haim had the best sleep this trip and it was because Gil didn't sleep at all, so Haim didn't have to listen to his snoring!

We had a rolly night last night with the waves coming form the side, luckily the wind has picked up and this now doesn't affect us as much.

The spinnaker stayed up until tea time yesterday and I successfully managed to wrap it around the forestay which resulted in it coming down and going back up again, I was told it had happened earlier in the day but no one volunteered who was driving.

Ann, Gil and Biggie have all read this really depressing book think we should bury it at sea!

Biggie confessed yesterday that he was craving 'porn', then Haim and I realised he actually said 'prawns', very amusing!

Day Eleven

Position 13 06.73N 039 49.52W
Boat Time 10.07am
Wind Speed 16.5knots Direction 119
Boat Speed 7.0knots Heading 306
Sails Full Main and poled-out No.2 jib
Weather Sunny
Miles to go 1301nm

Our fastest day yet. 190miles! We're going to try hard to beat it today. Top speeds of the night were Biggie with 9.11, Haim 9.14 and myself 9.44, which all helped add to the ground covered. Cloud covered us for most of the night and we even had a touch of rain, not enough to get the waterproofs out just yet!

Top winds this morning were 23 knots and we're sailing along nicely. Antigua is starting to look closer!

Most importantly today is my birthday and our halfway party. I've already opened my cards and looking forward to our fresh bread at lunchtime, mmmmmm

Day Twelve

Position 13 22.72N 042 36.75W
Boat Time 8.24am
Wind Speed 15.6knots Direction 087
Boat Speed 6.8knots Heading 282
Sails Full Main and poled-out No.2 jib
Weather Sunny
Miles to go 1139nm

What a great day yesterday was. Dinner was by far the best moment of the day, steak, roast potatoes, leeks in cheese sauce, champagne, almonds & Dairy Milk! Yum yum.

And after dinner the crew gave me a present which was a cd from Cafe Del Mar, Lanzarote called Sentimental Cooking, so we but it in the stereo and had some tunes. They then also said that I didn't have to do my next on watch and could go back to bed, what a perfect day.

Sailing wise it wasn't bad either, the wind has been constant dropping to 13knots at times but speed is generally over 7knots. We also had another few drops of rain yesterday! Today the sky is blue again and no doubt temperatures will be scorching by lunch.

Day Thirteen

Position 14 31.14N 045 08.76W
Boat Time 10.46am
Wind Speed 6.5knots Direction 086
Boat Speed 2.7knots Heading 246
Sails Full Main and poled-out No.2 jib
Weather Sunny with clouds
Miles to go 980nm

Day 13 is finally over. We had a good day yesterday. We made great speed during the day and had another whale pass down the side of us and then across our stern. Ann & Gil had a couple of pilots whales in the night that they could hear puffing away.

Last night we had our first squall! Gil went running off to get his jacket but was too late and the rain started and Ann was on the wheel surfing Disco along in 38knots of wind, she got a little wet and eventually Gil reappeared ready for a storm and let Ann shelter under the spray hood.

The wind hasn't really recovered from this and we are now trying to sail out of this mess as fast as we can!!

Day Fourteen

Position 13 39.72N 044 53.25W
Boat Time 9.53am
Wind Speed 16.5knots Direction 123
Boat Speed 6.5knots Heading 297
Sails Main with 1 reef
Weather Raining with clouds
Miles to go 879.2nm

We have now found ourselves back in some breeze it was around 10knots all night and has just picked up as this squall has come over us, we are now travelling as fast it and we seem stuck under it. Gil & Ann are on watch again but this time better prepared in their waterproofs.

We motored for 6 hours yesterday, looking for an escape out of the calm patch, Gil and I decided to concentrate on hunting an put the fishing line back out. Another lure lost, the line came back empty we then put out 2 separate lures and were betting our Capri Suns on which one would be lucky, neither were! While all this was going on we saw 3 huge tuna chasing flying fish they were the size of porpoises, it was 'absolutely unbelieveable' as Gil would say.

We all slept very well during the night must have had something to do with the sausage casserole and Yorkshire puddings which in America are called popoffs.

Hoping the rain will have stopped by 10.30am as I have to venture on deck!

PS Beautiful sunset last night

Day Fifteen

Position 14 10.90N 049 35.30W
Boat Time 7.52am
Wind Speed 12.6knots Direction 090
Boat Speed 6.2knots Heading 289
Sails Main with poled out genoa
Weather sunny with clouds
Miles to go 733.3nm

Another day, another night! Last night the sky was clear and the amount of stars on show was huge, we saw many shooting stars and made many wishes.

Gil saw a shark pass us yesterday morning and got hit by a flying fish during the hours of darkness. Still no more fish on the end of our line.

We think yesterday the temperature was up in the 40s it was so hot outside that we all found ourselves restless and unable to sleep in the late afternoon. We also turned back the clocks another hour, so the sun rose at 7.30 again this morning.

The wind has been constant and has averaged about 11knots for the last 24 hours so we have made some progress, we do have occasional puffs that see it increase to 20knots, would be nice if it would stay there! The rest of the fleet seem to be slow, other than those with a lot of diesel.

Day Sixteen

Position 14 53.00N 053 20.96W
Boat Time12.59pm
Wind Speed 15.7knots Direction 088
Boat Speed 7.7knots Heading 303
Sails Main with No.4 jib
Weather sunny with clouds
Miles to go 510.3nm

Finally knocking some miles off the clock! Yesterday was a fab day with the kite up all day and into the night, we were going to keep it up all night as we've had some beautifully clear skies. Last night wasn't one of them and we dunked the kite in the sea at 9.30pm. We then put a reef in the main and stayed with that all night. I think all of us got wet on our watches as the rain poured through most of the evening. Then this morning the sun starts to rise and its a completely different day!

Yesterday we spoke with Northern Child, doing the ARC, they are friends of ours so it was nice that out of all that ocean, they were just 16 miles north of us and then they crossed our bow about 7pm yesterday evening.

This morning we spoke with Flicker, another ARC boat who managed to get through the night without a squall. Maybe they slept through it?

To make the perfect ending to yesterday we had beer at sundown. By the time I'm back on watch this afternoon we'll have under 500miles to go! Looks like the next few days will fly pass, of course that's providing the wind stays!

Day Seventeen

Position 15 46.21N 056 04.87W
Boat Time 10.04am
Wind Speed 16.4knots Direction 088
Boat Speed 7.4knots Heading 303
Sails Main with No.4 jib
Weather Overcast
Miles to go 345.0nm

Sleepy heads on Disco this morning. We had quite a rough night with a huge squall at about 1am which had all of us offwatch lying awake in our bunks, listening to the whistling wind and the pounding rain. Then it was my turn of watch so it was waterproof jacket again for the second night this week and I got wet. Gil and Ann always seem to be on watch during them and I always get the tail end.

Haim is busy making fresh bread, something he has perfected very well.

Biggie was an unhappy bunny last night as Ann left the hatch in their cabin open and the rain came in and soaked his clothes, Disco now looks like a Chinese laundry, at least it will dry in this heat.

Can't believe its nearly all over.

Day Eighteen

Position 16 06.38N 061 58.94W
Boat Time 11.19am
Wind Speed 16.2knots Direction 084
Boat Speed 7.2knots Heading 300
Sails Main with No.4 jib
Weather Sunny
Miles to go 150.0nm

So this is it, we're actually nearly there and its feeling a little strange. For our last feast at sea I've saved English sausages to make toad-in-hole which is going to be a big treat.

Last night I was sleeping, having a dream and I moved my arm down to my side and I felt this flapping sensation under my hand, my first thought was to move it away and I thought it felt like the cooling fan for the fridge, when you stick your hand in it by accident in the dark. My hand then fell back there again and once again I felt flapping under my hand. BINGO! There's a fish in my bed, there's a fish in my bed! So I then yelped as only girls do and Matt came in to see what I was upto, and called me pathetic! He carefully removed the fish and I set to work of cleaning up the scales he had shed during the attack.

On a nicer note we saw a turtle yesterday!

Boat sped was good most of the day although under 6knots for my watch last night as the wind dropped to around 11knots. Oyster Rose should have finished this morning which leaves us, Stella & Spindrift battling out for 2nd, 3rd & 4th.

Feeling quite tired after my eventful night. Bring on the rum punch and Trish we'll try to be in at a reasonable hour.

Day Nineteen

WE HAVE ARRIVED. We crossed the finish line at 4.57am, 10 minutes ahead of Spindrift, Moody 64 and 12 minutes ahead of Stella, 60ft cataramaran. This of course wasn't without drama. Gil & I were on watch and suddenly there was a mighty bang, it was like a shotgun, the boom shook so I assumed it was the kicker expoding again and I got Gil to shine a torch at it, at which point Matt appeared on deck and took the torch to have a closer look at the rig. Having found nothing we put a reef in and he went back to bed leaving me with the instruction to check the mainsail every 10minutes for a chnage of shape. It wasn't until 20minutes later that a new noise started that sounded like a loose halyard. While looking for that I noticed that the D2 was no longer attached to the spreader and it was that that I had heard. We put in a second reef to take some pressure off the rig and our speed dropped to just over 6 knots. It was then amazing as we closed in on Antigua to spot two mast headlights behind us and we knew we had a fight on our hands although Disco was in no shape for fighting. We amnaged to stay ahead and were 2nd boat in fleet to finish which was just amazing after 18 days at sea.

We then joined Spindrift on the dock for rum punch and champagne and chattered until the sun rose at which point it was time to start the cleaning process!

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