09.40, log 335, wind south-westerly, 8 metres/sec.
We cast off in Torquay and rowed out of the harbour as the tide changed. The next destination is Portsmouth.
10.01, log 335, wind south-westerly, 8 metres/sec.
We set sail, "tack fixed". We sail out of Torbay.
10.10, log 336, wind south-westerly, 11 metres/sec.
The wind has increased and we expect swell from the south-west, when we are out of the bay. We take in a reef to get an easier motion in the water. We ease off the sail and take in the uppermost reef in order not to have to haul the sail down in a higher sea later on.
11.00, log 341, wind south-westerly, 10.5 metres/sec.
The sun is shining. We have the wind from the stern, good speed. We head for Portland Bill.
13.00, log 355, wind south-westerly, 10 metres/sec.
We carry out an evacuation exercise to check the routines on board in the event of a crisis. When the life-rafts had been made ready, the exercise stopped.
We assess the exercise afterwards.
15.09, log 375, wind south-westerly, 12 metres/sec.
The speed is often above 9 knots and we are uncertain whether the pressure on the rudder can pull the root of the tackle through the hole in the rudder. We discuss whether we should take in another reef to reduce the pressure on the rudder tackle or if we should change the tackle immediately. We would like to see how long the tackle can last and decide to take in another reef. We will look at the situation again before it gets dark.
17.32, log 390, wind south-westerly, 14 metres/sec.
Increasing wind and increasing swell from the south-west. We take in the third reef.
19.51, log 400, wind south-westerly, 13 metres/sec.
At the speed we have, we will arrive at the Needles Channel when there is a contrary current. We take in the fourth reef to keep the speed down, so we can sail through the channel with the current.
20.13, log 403, wind south-westerly, 11 metres/sec.
The ship is sheering up in the steadily increasing swell, which is coming in astern. We lay a couple of hundred meters of rope out astern in order to be able to hold a steady course.
21.30, log 405, wind south-westerly, 12 metres/sec.
The lanterns are lit.
23.10, log 412, wind south-westerly, 11 metres/sec.
Sailing in to the Needles Channel. Favourable current. The rope astern is hauled in. Our course is in the middle of the channel. High tidal sea. The tack is loose, braces and fore braces are set to reduce rolling.
03.05, log 434, wind south-westerly, 7 metres/sec.
We drop anchor north of the Isle of Wight to wait for a weaker current in to Portsmouth harbour. Sleep on board until 5.30.
05.47, log 434, wind west 7 metres/sec.
We weigh anchor and sail in to Portsmouth harbour.
06.54, log 437, wind west 6 metres/sec.
We moor the ship in Portsmouth after 102 nautical miles in 21.4 hours, of which 3.5 hours was spent at anchor. Average speed: about 5.7 knots.