Sailing Logic Blog
Monday, 19 October 2009
Dodging squalls, volcanoes and swarms of giant jellyfish!
Last night was magnificant if not a touch nerve wracking! On one sideof Seawolf we witnessed a sensational electric storm which illuminated
the sky and silhouetted the volcanoes. On the other side of us was an
erupting volcano and we were treated to a wonderful display of lava
been strewn from the summit which towered high in the sky.
What an amazing light show of deep oranges, reds and white which
dramatically lit the skies around us. The phospherence lit the stern
wave of Seawolf as we power reached accross the Mediterannean at 8
knots. It was an eerie couple of hours but a spectacle I would not
wanted to have missed. It was like something out of a sci-fi movie
set, only better and more real than even the most sophisticated home
cinema could portray.
The biggest challenge for us has been how to cope with the relentless
squalls that have been battering us for the last two days. Too much
sail area and there could be severe damage, too little and we are way
underpowered between the squalls. The other choice is continual sail
changes which are just about completed before the conditions change
again and will exhaust an already tired crew! What to do? Hopefully
we have now passed through the last one for the next 24 hours! But
don't hold me to that!
For now we are enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the North West tip
of Sicilia. It is a largely uninhabited part of the island which has
blown my mind with its rugged and awe inspiring beauty.
My mind is now back on the swarms of giant jellyfish that have
regularly engulfed us. They are not called dustbin lid jellyfish for
nothing! Those of you who know of my fear of these pointless and
disgusting creatures will understand and probably be at home laughing!
Ps my feet are still wet and are now going wrinkly!
Sent from my iPhone
Posted by Philippe Falle at 5:13 PM Leave Comment