We had our wind shift overnight as expected and early this morning got the ship turned to the South with a fresh West wind. The crew did a good job in the early morning hours getting sail back on to speed us along in our passage and steady out the ship’s motion. Though the sun isn’t out today it’s a lot warmer than it has been, no longer icy water crossing the deck but a much more pleasant 15°C. The swell height being up with the fresh west winds, the crew have been spending most of the watches checking that the ship has remained sea-stowed and that no gear has become adrift. This sort of weather doesn’t deter ship’s cook Donald a bit, steak for dinner last night and plenty of hot food at every meal.
We anticipate crossing into the Gulf Stream this afternoon, which will bring even warmer temperatures, a welcome change for all hands. Until then we are still just getting into the ship’s routines and remembering what it’s like to be at sea again. Nothing around, no land, no other ships just Picton Castle and her crew in our own little world.
Date: 24 February 2018
Noon Position: 38°39.8’N, 068°25.3’W
Course + Speed: SxW, 7.8kts
Wind direction + Force: W, F 5
Swell Height + Direction: 3m, W
Weather: Overcast
Day’s Run: 156nm
Passage Log: 428nm
Distance to Port: 420nm
Voyage: 611nm
