Hugo Boss: Where are the trades?

In the 1600's there was a death penalty in Portugal on telling people where the band of trade winds were. As far I am aware, that has been lifted, so please can somebody tell us? After our successful crossing of the Doldrums we have been sailing in some weak to moderate 10-15knot winds from the NNE. Usually the trade winds blow here East 20-25 knots and propel you north jumping over big waves. So what’s up? Well, I actually went to school for this, and I am afraid that the big low pressure system to the north of the Canaries that is blowing Gaes with good speed towards the Strait of Gibraltar is messing things up for us.

You see, for the trade winds to exist, one needs a big high pressure system that sits over the middle of the Atlantic, roughly where the Azores are. Probably the reason why they call it the Azores’ high. Now and then this high gets disturbed by a big low pressure system, and the pressure gradient between the Doldrums and the low becomes close to zero. No pressure gradient, nothing to drive the winds, and thus light winds.

The end result of this meteorology lesson is that this morning we are a bit slower than we would like to be. On the up, it means seas are flat, and I can actually type this without having to correct every word three times as I keep hitting the wrong keys! Winds are meant to restore in two days, so we will just have to be patient and enjoy the easier conditions.

A good time to take out the ham for lunch today. The facebook response has been overwhelming, with very mixed reactions. Anything from  “don’t risk it” to “no question. It’s delicious.” Our conclusion is that we will do the smell test. Any hint of ammonia, and the ham goes over the side, but if this is not the case (and we will try very hard to ignore any hint of ammonia) and we will use it in our wraps. Now that’s got me looking forward to lunch!