1000 miles to the nearest bar...

DAY 11 - 5TH December 2007

Position: 17º 40' N 44º 04' W
Bearing: 255º
Distance to go: 997 Nm

The day started on the 06.00 to 12.00 watch. As the sun came up we were greeted to a great display of cumulus clouds. All around us the horizon was surrounded by huge white towers. It's slightly weird to think that if weren't here none of these clouds would be seen by human eyes. Kate gave us some good news at 09.30 to say we had1000 miles to go. How quickly the time has gone and the miles passed by.

We put the twin headsails back up as we began to pick up the stronger tradewinds again. As soon as these winds start it creates the famous Atlantic roll. The swells gently pick you up put you down, pick you up and put you down again. The rhythm is quite regular and relatively comfortable. I didn't think that we would experience such distinct types of seas and they all have their own characteristics. Visually they all look different too, sometimes you can see the horizon as the small swells come and go and at other times you can see the larger swells gradually build and reach your stern. Whatever the state, the sea is always mesmerising.

As we have headed South we are starting to experience some very hot weather. For the first time we put the bimini up at the stern to protect the helm. As we are still waiting for the stronger winds there is little breeze to cool us down. Of course we're not complaining as it is early December and the reports of weather from home are of cold and wet days.

The quiet afternoon was a good time to tidy and clean the decks. The teak decking must have been feeling as hot as we were and happily soaked up the water as we scrubbed. The weather hasn't reduced our appetites though and the lamb chops served with potato gratin was well received. The cold beer was the only thing not made by Susie from scratch!

We get a daily report from the ARC organisers and we have heard of other boats having some problems. These range from generator failure to boom problems and the total loss of headsail and forestay. It reminds us how vigilant and careful we need to be with the rigging and the boat. This mixture of ropes, metal and wood is our home and we need to constantly monitor its performance. So far it is doing us proud. A strong, fast boat that has become home to 13 complete strangers.



You can track the progress of Northern Child, which is updated every hour, on their web site at: northernchild.com