Skipper's log: Michael Ferguson (Ireland), Ariel II (IMOCA)

Saturday Morning     

Yesterday we finally got a glimpse of the sun in the
afternoon and then even a small slither of moon once dark. Was weird
looking at the stars last night through the missing mainsail panels but
the mainsail is now something I am used to seeing. On that subject it
hasn't seemed to get much worse but we are still in Reef 2 (about the same
sail area now as reef 4) and have been now for 5 days. Managing around
75% on the polars when there is wind and then about 55% in light patches.
Being a competitive racer the tracker is keeping me going. We don't
download files all the time but 2-3 times a day and slowly watch the 60
fleet to our West pull away. The wind should slowly start to clock round
today and we may look to hoist the main once the TWA goes aft of 90
degrees. We need to keep as much apparent wind out of it if we are to
make it to Brazil with any of it left. Looking forward to some trade wind
sailing next even if we will be limited to using the fractional A5 due to
lack of mainsail leech tension. The only bad news to report is that Ari's
fresh desserts are all gone as is most of the fruit but I guess we are
the only boat in the fleet to have afternoon coffee made through a
portable hand filter.I'll get a photo for you all later of it!   As for
the racing up front the Port LaF gang look to made the big break away
from the rest in the West. We are having fun trying to work out their
tracks with our polars...130% at the minute looks about right but will
keep an eye on it! Still got my racing head on .....   So thats it from
Ariel2 today and we both want to say thanks to family and friends for the
support over the last few days. Catch up soon..   Mikey