Puddle Jumper - Fw: Day 4 :-) and :-(

 

We had a fast smooth run through the night and saw a yacht’s starboard light well astern indicating that they were on a more Southerly course than we were. It was very dark until the moon rose later in the night with cloud cover most of the time. We had a smooth fast run through the night and made a good course achieving a better VMG (velocity made good) towards our ultimate destination. The new red lighting outside the starboard quarter cabin door is now functional and does not suggest what some may think! The issue of night vision at sea at night is an important one and it takes up to 20 mins for your eyes to adjust. One look at a white light takes you back to square one immediately. For reasons best known to the medical fraternity red light has much less effect and that is why the traditional approach on ships at sea at night has always been to maintain low level red lighting in all areas where crew are operating. The new red compass lights and red cabin lighting achieved with a piece of red vinyl stuck over one ceiling light and a new Tricolour Nav light at the mast head has removed all white light sources at deck level and below which is a big improvement from the maiden voyage in June.

 

The sun greeted us in the morning and we were looking forward to a relaxing day. Early afternoon a larger Dutch yacht Biba passed closely across our stern and we had a chat with the skipper on the VHF. She was a very nice vessel as the Dutch ones usually are and I was informed that the deck scenery was good as well .

 

After 3 pm we were beset by a series of minor gear failures and other issues which required much hauling of strings and caused some frustration. All is therefore as usual on a new sailing yacht with a raw crew. We have settled down for a slower night under a headsail to recharge our batteries ready for a fresh start in the morning to sort out some problems with our lazy jacks and the mainsail catch bag.

 

As I am sure that you are all well informed from yesterday’s monologue it is time for bed as Zebidee said (in the “Magic Roundabout” for those too young to know)

 

The sick bay is quiet today as the three patients are recovering well (and avoiding further treatment from the Matron?)

 

Goodnight from us all

 

WSMc