Ireland and Kinsale

Yrvind is approaching Ireland where he aims to make landfall next week. Unfortunately, there is a storm coming around this time. As of now the forecast predicts heavy winds, up to 50 knots blowing from the west.

At the same time he approaches the continental cliff outside the bay of Biscay. This is a point where the depth dramatically decreases and the waves can be troublesome, especially when there is heavy winds.  

Whales and storms

I have received word from Yrvind and all is well on the Atlantic ocean and the morale is high!

He has now passed half the halfway mark to Ireland and have had some visitors. A school of pilot whales accompanied Yrvind during the afternoon. Apparently, they liked Exlex because they were rubbing the hull gently as if they where hugging the hull. Even if Yrvind likes the loneliness of the ocean the short visit was much appreciated.

What is not appreciated is that the approach to Ireland will happen about the same time as the Fastnet Race will take place. Apart from that it is an ocean race with many participants it is infamous for the big storm that fell up on it in 1979. That year 19 people lost their lives during the race. Yrvind will navigate these waters at the same time, even if his yacht is well prepared for harsh conditions a collision with one of the many yachts can be devastating.

Sam Holmes (Sam Holmes Sailing) whom Yrvind met in Horta has posted a video of their encounter, enjoy the video below:

Regards,
Captain Thomas Grahn

Up and away

I talked to Yrvind as he was sitting on a small mountain in Horta yesterday. After talking about philosophy and the ocean he suddenly stopped. “Captain Grahn, the winds are fair for a trip to Kinsaile, Ireland from here now, aren’t they?”, Yrvind said. I took a quick look at the weather report and confirmed his gut feeling. 2 hours later he and Exlex were on their way to Ireland. Follow him in the tracker here on the webpage.

 

Regards,
Captain Thomas Grahn

Video lessons and baptism of an Island

Yrvind is staying busy in Horta and is now learning to make videos from a real pro, Sam Holmes, who is also out exploring the Atlantic Ocean.

In the recent days Yrvind have received the news that an island in the Southern Ocean have had the honor to bear his name. Yrvind is of course flattered, honored and excited for this news.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yrvind_Island

//Regards,
Captain Thomas Grahn

Horta

Yrvind is now in Horta and have got him self a really nice spot in the port. But the way into the port was all but easy. He was suprised by the heavy winds coming down from the mountain and almost hit the rocks. See the tracks of Exlex below and also the video where he describes what went down and what could have happend.

Regards,
Captain Thomas Grahn

 

Horta

I just received word from Yrvind that he entered the port of Horta around midday today. Entering the port was quite eventful, more on that later. He had some headwinds with varying force the last couple of days which has given him quite a few new ideas for the next boat.

All is well with Yrvind who will be quarantined for a few days and catch up on some sleep on the Portuguese island.

 

Regards,

Captain Thomas Grahn

Favorable winds

The weather has treated Yrvind well and he is reporting that the winds are taking him out to sea at a comfortable pace. Everyday he is exercising his back in order to avoid back pain. As he is navigating the deep Atlantic ocean new boats are taking form on his drawing board and good books are still a treat. At the present he is reading Bernard Moitessiers first book on its original language, French.

He reports that everything is well on Exlex and he reports that he truly enjoys the deep blue sea!

Regards,

Captain Thomas Grahn

First post from the sea

I strive to understand life. Reading books helps me. A small simple boat out there on the ocean is an excellent reading place. So far I have read the enclosed three books and gained a lot of understanding. I can highly  recommend them.

The design of the Canoe Yawl is also doing good progress. While at sea Capten Grahn and webmaster Beppe is helping me with my site. Exlex behave excellent and steer her self in all vind directiontions.

Books I have read:

Metabolical  Lustig

The Cancer code – Fung

Ketones the fourth fuel – Christofferson