St John's to Nanortalic - Day 9 - 14/8/25

The predicted increase in wind arrives around 1130 and we put 2 reefs in the main and genoa and return to a beam reach to make more easting (i.e. to get to the east of the straight line route to our destination).

When we left St John's we assumed we would encounter the prevailing westerly winds for the most part but now the latest weather forecasts are predicting the winds will be predominantly from the east and south east. The risk now therefore is that we may end up down wind of our destination. With strong to gale force winds likely during our approach the last thing we want to do is to beat against them in the dark and fog and potentially amongst ice bergs as well. So, staying to the east of our direct route will ensure we have a fair wind during our approach.

By 0400 the wind increases further, it's approaching gale force and so we put a third reef in the main and take in another few turns on the genoa.

We continue to make good progress for the rest of the day and by midnight have covered 133 miles in a straight line. Nanortalik is now only 62 miles ahead!