B&Q face stronger wind conditions south of Japan

by Team Ellen on 28 Mar 2006 In moderate 13-14 knot south-easterly conditions, B&Q is sailing downwind averaging 14-18 knots of boat speed. They currently have one reef in the main sail and a gennaker up as they make their way south west against a strong current along the south east coast of Japan. B&Q is hoping to round the southern corner of Japan before the forecasted wind shift to the north west arrives in the next 12 hours.

'It will be touch and go if we round the corner of Japan before the wind shifts, but we are hoping to make it as this will allow a more direct course onto our first gate at Jeju Island and also avoid the north west front that is due to hit this area in 12 hours time!'

After three days onboard the crew have taken advantage of the lighter conditions as they prepare themselves for the strong winds along the south coast of Japan. Read the latest email from Charlie...

‘Well here we are – a beautiful sunny afternoon - warm, winds just 8 knots from the east, as we fight our way west against a strong current (up to 4 knots against at times). We are hoping that we make the south corner of Japan before the wind shifts to the west, increasing to 30/35 knots.... upwind again.

So far all memories of our delivery have been completely expelled - we have hardly had a wave over the deck since the start and life on board has generally been very good.

We are getting though our food at a steady pace - and we are all pretty rested... these light conditions don't need too many hands on deck and it'll be good to be a bit fresher once the new wind arrives.

Ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch (either on English muffin, white bread, rye bread or krisproll)- it's like a proper deli on board - choice of bread, choice of cheese- brie, camembert, English cheddar, processed burger slices) and hams of great variety. It's important, as this seems to be our staple lunch. Followed by either a couple of jelly babies, wine gumms, or a Worthers Original or two. Then its tea, coffee, hot choc (with our without condensed milk) or coke, Orange juice, or water. Ellen likes the rice cakes flavoured with marmite - which makes her quite unapproachable for an hour or so! But to the rest of us they taste of nothing, and have the texture of foam!

For tea tonight I think that I might cook - some linguine, though it's not easy in this little galley - on a stove designed for one... so I might have to open the deli counter again for sandwiches!!

That's it from the Japan current....’

CLES