Saturday, October 23, Day 1 -10am we departed Titan Marina waving goodbye to friends we made. At the last minute, Falbala decided not to go, but will wait a few days for the high pressure system to pass. Trance is faster than them, we hope to be past most of the strong wind as it rises north.
The day was a pleasant sail cruising just above 7knots. 1-2 ft waves. For dinner I made chicken cacciatore over rice.
Sunday October 24, Happy Birthday Autumn!
168 nautical miles traveled in the past 24 hours. Still cruising just over 7 knots 1-3 ft waves.
We passed the cargo ship Theben , it’s 656ft long, heading to Reunion. Our closest point of approach was 1.1 miles. This is the fourth ship we’ve seen, the closest one to us.
We had the code 65 sail up all day. The forecast was steady with light to moderate winds 10-12knots, we decided to keep her up all night. After the sunset, around 8pm, the waves increased a little (3-6ft.), causing the sail to frequently collapse, then she fell in water. This is the fourth time this sail has fallen down into an ocean. The swivel at the top of sail is sewed to the sail and the stitches broke. Dan was able to get the sail out of the water, tied it down for the night.
Monday October 25, Day 3 – Total nautical miles traveled 311, 143 nautical miles traveled in the past 24 hours.
This mornings job, spread out the sail to dry, then roll it up and put it away in its sail bag.
The spindle that furls the sail from the top was sewed to the straps. The brown color is oil that leaked out of it.
Tuesday October 26, Day 4 – Total nautical miles traveled 482, 171 nautical miles traveled in the past 24 hours.
Our chocolate tradition continues. This brand is made on Reunion Island and is the the most popular chocolate there. Tuesday and Thursdays are chocolate days!
The equatorial current splits around the northern end Madagascar. We are in a northerly breeze on the southeast corner of the island and riding in about 3 knots of favorable current with the wind. Averaging 8-9 knots of speed over ground, occasionally hitting 10 knots. Both the main and Genoa are triple reefed. After midnight the wind and waves calmed down considerably.
Wind is coming! We are in a hurry to get around the bottom of Madagascar before the forecasted strong southerly winds develop. As a result we had the engine running overnight to help keep the sails at the desired pace of 7 knots minimum as the winds were light.
Sailing Trance 
Hello! Wow!!! Oh my goodness, that sail situation sounds scary — the pics of it confirm that, for sure! I’m guessing the combination of UV light over time, combined with strong winds, causes that soft of thing to happen? If memory serves me, I think you have a sewing machine on board to fix sails that need mending? You guys sure are really cookin’ along, covering a lot of miles! Your chicken cacciatore dish looks amazing!
LikeLike
I could rant forever about that high maintenance sail! I think it was force of the waves causing the sail to frequently collapse, putting undo stress on the sewing. But that’s my opinion. Yes I do have a sewing machine onboard, a Sailrite. As much as I hate the high winds and big waves, I love the speed! Chicken cacciatore is one of my favorite foods! I saw post Sunny is covered for winter. Will you keep her outside?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am super impressed by how you two are able to address issues that crop up during your journey! You guys have such amazing skills! Being out there, on the open ocean like that, I’d imagine one has to be like MacGyver of sorts as there are so many facets of systems on board that could need attention. I was spoiled this season as Sunny was a brand new boat, so not too many projects, aside from the standard sorts of things (e.g., teak!). 🙂 Thank you so much for asking about Sunny, too — yes, she’s all snuggled into her ‘winter clothes’ now! She’s nestled into ‘her spot’ on our barn’s driveway; every morning when I tend to our horses and donkey, I check on Sunny’s tarp to make sure all is secure (and to give ger a hug!) ⛵️🥰
LikeLike
Yes indeed a “jack-of-all-trades” as well as being a MacGyver is truly helpful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
P.S. The chocolate looks amazing, too! YUM!
LikeLike
We’ve had many different brands of chocolate hard to pick a favorite.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am following your adventure avidly. I track your entire journey and your comments. We do no how systems fail and so you have tremendous respect from us to repair and keep going across a vast ocean. Look forward to your return and the continued log of your adventure.
I wonder how you will take to dry land when you return?:-)
LikeLike
Thanks Rob!
LikeLike