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Here we will post our noon coordinates and provide a link to a map to show you where we are.

Location: 8° 47.0 N, 50° 02.0 W
Monday 12:00, 06.12.2006

The Schooner Maggie B was at 08° 47.0 N, 50° 02.0 W. You will notice that we are a ways NE of our last position. We tacked over onto starboard last night at 2230 to take advantage of a short SE’erly that must have been associated with the last modest Tropical wave that slid by on the ITCZ. It gave us the advantage to head off the coast at six knots on a course of 070-080 for half a day. We are squeezing out every little bit of easting we can from the modest changes thrown us.

After four and a half days close hauled on port tack, it was a surprise and pleasure (mostly) to switch over to close hauled on starboard. Last night was as pretty sailing as I know. Full moon with distant rain showers to give the horizon character. The Maggie B slipping along at six knots in only 10 knots of true wind, not touching a sheet for hours at a time. The swells mostly laid down and only had a nice regular motion.

At noon our SE’erly ran out and the regular 080-090 Easterly has set back in, but not in any force as yet, so we are motor sailing for a bit to get into the wind, course 120 at 7.5 knots. We have gone about 700 NM so far and it is 1250 yet to Natal.

Lunch today is shrimp in garlic and oil with special spices from our friend Pierre, owner of Mango Restaurant in Barbados. Mixed greens salad with tomatoes and goat cheese.

Yesterday we had a family group of about 6-8 of False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens) come hang out with us. They clearly were interested in us, but didn’t quite have the energy, speed or enthusiasm to ride our bow wave. They hung about in formation about 200 yards away for perhaps 15 minutes before heading off for their next appointment. Their head is rather rounded, but not dome-like as with a Pilot Whale, and the rounded, curved dorsal helps with the identification. The whole impression is of a group of active but slightly overweight Southern matrons bustling to a church tea, where the usual group of dolphins are more like teenagers on skateboards.

All is well.

  posted by Frank | June 12, 2006  

Frank: It was great to see you in Chicago for Margo’s birthday!
Congrats on Maggie B’s victories in Antigua! Keep up the wonderful
postings. It is great way to vicariously enjoy your journey. I
particularly loved the description of the Pilot Whales as a group
of Southern matrons bustling along to church tea!
The meals sound delicious. Hope everyone has recovered from mal
de mer and can enjoy the good eats.

Safe travels to Recife and beyond!

Kevenick

—kevenick  June 13, 2006

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