DAY 13 AT SEA

Total distance covered: 1508 nautical miles
Last 24 hours: 78 nautical miles + an estimated 33 nautical miles while instruments were off (approx 4.62 knots average)
To Martinique: 1790 nautical miles

After a very nice day of sailing we wanted to take down the mainsail under engine at night, but the engine did not start, probably because of insufficient power or a problem with the starter battery. However, both batteries were charged to over 12 volts before the start attempts and, according to the previous owner, the motor battery should also automatically deconnect from the house battery as soon as it falls too low. Attempts to use Turbie, the wind generator, to generate enough wind close-hauled to the wind to charge the batteries did not work. Therefore, with all electronic devices switched off, we had to wait for the sun in the morning, which then generates energy through our solar panels throughout the day. For safety reasons, the AIS and running lights stayed on so that other boats can see us. We hope to solve the problem with just charging the batteries. Otherwise further inspections have to be carried out. In addition, a small pulley of the Genoa furling line flew off during a reefing manoeuvre tonight. But this is not a problem and easy to solve as the line is laid around a winch anyway. According to the weather forecast we should get the first calms starting this afternoon. Hopefully we’ll get the engine started soon. But do not worry. Luckily we are a sailboat and with wind and ocean currents we arrive in Martinique. So far we have at least enough wind to be able to continue SW. We are already south of Martinique, but the chances of wind in the next few days are better down here. As soon as we fall below the 13th longitude, we finally plan to go on course for Martinique!
In any case, we did not choose an easy time for our crossing. Daily route adjustments due to major weather systems in the North Atlantic that affect or even interrupt the trade winds keep us on our feet. Hopefully we will soon get the supposedly steady trade winds and then we can make up for a few of the slower days.