Where does the butter melt?

[Allan]

When we crossed the Atlantic we were given a point (lat/long) to aim for before turning right. My searching of YBW and the wider internet have failed to find it. Can anyone help? To be clear, it's the approximate place to turn right, in the advice 'head south until the butter melts and turn right'.
Allan

 

[ylop]

I assumed, that if there was merit in the description, it was not as simple as turning at a particular latitude (else just give a number) but rather that at different times of year the butter melts further north/south and the calmer weather follows that. But I've never planned an Atlantic crossing so I could be reading way too much into a crude navigation instruction.

 

[Allan]

I assumed, that if there was merit in the description, it was not as simple as turning at a particular latitude (else just give a number) but rather that at different times of year the butter melts further north/south and the calmer weather follows that. But I've never planned an Atlantic crossing so I could be reading way too much into a crude navigation instruction.

Yes, I know the two things sound contradictory and, from memory, I think the lat/long is seen as a more precise way to plan. Also from memory, it does take you at least a little to the west, not just south.
Allan

 

[Stingo]

Not replying to anyone in particular, but two questions:

• What brand of butter?
• Salted or unsalted?

 

[Boathook]

I've had butter melt when sailing along the south coast.

For the benefit of Stingo it was salted butter

 

[Daydream believer]

It might not be butter. Could you believe that?
Do you keep it in the fridge?

 

[GEM43]

It might not be butter. Could you believe that?
Do you keep it in the fridge?

Fridge is full of elephant of course, no room for butter.

 

[capnsensible]

Butter, really, is a poor navigational tool. Weather Forecasting is much better....

 

[Blue Seas]

The combination of both Weather Forecasting and Butter is even better than the sum of its parts.
I study the forecasts to determine the POB then, on my route plotting chart of the Atlantic Ocean (Northern part), I carefully plot the POB (Point of Butter) for that particular day / weather forecast. When heading S/SW and passing say Portugal I always aim to leave the POB to starboard. I once made the mistake of cutting the corner off by rounding inside the POB but the butter immediately re-solidified and never tasted the same again.
After that little scare I would no sooner pass inside the POB than set sail on a Friday or carry a woman onboard.

 

[Mister E]

Does it not depend if you have the diesel heater on.

 

[LittleSister]

It's only because people now have fridges on their boats to keep their butter in that GPS had to be invented.

 

[john_morris_uk]

There’s no defined latitude. And although the traditional advice about when the butter melts ‘sort of’ works, you’re better downloading some wind data and seeing where the trade winds are when you’re actually in those waters. (Assuming you’re play transatlantic?)

Out of interest we were getting weather routing on my last transatlantic and had got to the point where we were making a definite turn to the west picking up the tradewinds when we also discovered that the butter stored in a Tupperware container in the bilge had started to melt. Coincidence? Who knows?

 

[Daydream believer]

I do not do long trips but do use the cicle of probablity, with coffe cup rings. The more they overlap the closer I am to a sand bank because that is where I put the cup.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Butter, really, is a poor navigational tool. Weather Forecasting is much better....

You beat me to it. And much more succinctly put too.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

In recent summers one would have to head north from the UK to find the point where butter melts!

 

[Stingo]

In recent summers one would have to head north from the UK to find the point where butter melts!

Way down south, in your parts, can you substitute whale oil for butter as a turn right indicator?

 

[Allan]

Not replying to anyone in particular, but two questions:

• What brand of butter?
• Salted or unsalted?

OK, maybe I should explain. I'm attempting to write a book about two Atlantic crossings. In a previous chapter I've said some very positive things about the YBW forum and in particular I've mentioned 'TCM (Matt) and Stingo' as being very knowledgeable and helpful. In one chapter I've mentioned the waypoint I was given but I'm struggling to find the exact position.
Another quote 'After one morning watch I mentioned to the skipper that, if we didn't have a fridge, the butter would be starting to melt'!
Allan

 

[Stingo]

OK, maybe I should explain. I'm attempting to write a book about two Atlantic crossings. In a previous chapter I've said some very positive things about the YBW forum and in particular I've mentioned 'TCM (Matt) and Stingo' as being very knowledgeable and helpful. In one chapter I've mentioned the waypoint I was given but I'm struggling to find the exact position.
Another quote 'After one morning watch I mentioned to the skipper that, if we didn't have a fridge, the butter would be starting to melt'!
Allan

Well, a comment like that just might give me a swollen head. I wonder if I'll fit through my companion way later?

But thank you for the compliment. Much appreciated.

 

[Allan]

Well, a comment like that just might give me a swollen head. I wonder if I'll fit through my companion way later?

But thank you for the compliment. Much appreciated.

No problem, I wonder if you remember two Moody old blokes sailing across to St Martin for the weekend in March a few years ago?
Allan

 

[Stingo]

@Allen DM sent