7/8/08
Position 57 51.5N 56 43.4W Leaving Greenland we knew we would head out into some rough but improving conditions. This was the case, and after a period of large seas and strong wind we were sailing under full canvas. We held this for nearly 24 hrs. sailing along in 20+kts. making great headway. The forecast for our area was for 20 to 30 kts and seas less than 8 ft. When the wind finally picked up we took in the main and set the trisail, leaving the fore, stays'l, and jib set. This was a most comfortable combination. Seas where lumpy (4 - 6 ft, some bigger) and moving around the boat was a challenge, but we were sailing at 9 kts! Again we held this sail configuration for several hours. Many of the crew were tired and wondering when we would have calm conditions or be at Battle Harbor. During the 8 to Midnight watch, Chris Moore let me know he thought it was time to take in the jib. With the watch on deck, Eric J. and myself she came down nicely. The wind continued to build. At this time the barometer was dropping 2mb an hour and it kept dropping. Eventually winds built to near 50 kts. seas were 12 ft with a few bigger and many breaking. The rain felt like needles stinging your face and spray was constantly traveling the length of Bowdoin. The mast boot on the fore was torn from its lashing a couple of times. On the big rolls we would bury the leeward rail. Through all of this it was clear that Bowdoin was handling these conditions brillantly - she is an amazing vessel. At the change of the watch at midnight there seemed to be a lull in wind intensity. By 0130 the barometer had steadied at 995 (dropped from 1012) and the wind was almost calm. We fired up the Cummins and motored in a confused sea. Now at 0900 the sun is out, we are sailing again (260T) w/ full canvas in a lumpy sea. The crew did an awesome job. Everyone stood their watch. This is an incredible group of sailors.
All is well.






We are closing in on the Labrador coast, beating now, toward Battle Harbor. Bowdoin is in
great shape and the crew is happy to see the sun. Rick

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