Wind from the NE at 30 knots make for another rolly day at sea. Cutter Loose is double reefed and pounding through the waves and swell at 8 knots for most of the day. We are making rapid progress towards our destination now. The price we pay for distance made good to our destination is extreme pitching and rolling. Sleep deprivation is apparent in the faces of the crew and owners. Rest happens infrequently on an offshore voyage. When it occurs, the quality of sleep is poor, inhibited by constant motion and the pounding of the waves against the hull.
Every square inch of Cutter Loose is permeated by salt, both above and below decks. Small openings in the cockpit canvas act as passageways for seawater to enter our small window overlooking the ocean. Salt then finds its way below on our clothing and shoes. The heat and humidity of the subtropical air causes the crew to seek ventilation in the cockpit. It is not possible to open the ports and hatches to achieve air flow below because the deck is constantly awash in seawater. Consequently, the cabin is a steamy, sweaty place to be.
At noon, the remaining distance to Tortola is 231 miles. Everyone is energized by the fact that these are the final few days of the voyage. Our favorite topic of conversation involves speculation on the hour of our arrival in Tortola. Thus far, there are no injuries or illnesses to report aboard Cutter Loose and we intend to keep it that way for the next few days. Unfortunately, our wind speed and direction instrument decided to quit working today. Until we can fully diagnose the problem in Tortola, we will be forced to navigate and adjust our sails without this important device.
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