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Shine - Day 10 :



A command decision was made last night not to fly the kites.What a fine move that turned out to be, as we experienced a very squally night and would have necessitated more action than we felt we needed. We also reduced the watches to give the crew, and especially Giles, much needed rest which was greatly appreciated by all.

The skipper appeared at 07:00 having  attended to his bedsores, and we embarked on  most glorious day of classical trade wind sailing, which will have undoubtedly rewarded us with another 200+ mile day.We are at present third in our class, but with Jeremy's meticulous planning and forecasting, fully expect to improve on that position in the coming days.

A highly efficient shower was rigged in the cockpit utilising the hand pump and an elaborate array of pipes - one over the side , and the other strapped to the bimini. Jim was all lathered up quietly enjoying said shower when he was assaulted  by Tim, which  was all faintly reminiscent of the classic Reed and Bates scene in Women in Love.Jim, understandably was most alarmed, but diplomatically decided not to make a fuss.

We continue to work steadily through the ongoing tasks on board,from sail repairs to locker shuffling, with Michael's newly repaired bucket a vision of pink brilliance that he now refuses to share with those who have been so rude about it.

Happy hour was particularly special this evening with the sun setting over our destination, Supertramp playing in the cockpit (ipod not the band) and a following breeze pushing us along at 9-10 knots in serene comfort.This was followed by a superb nasi goreng conjured up by Piers  the galley wizard,whose culinary excellence more than compensates for his limited wardrobe.                               

Hugh, via the Norwegian schoolteacher's look, has finally given up on his beard, leaving the hirsute two to battle it out to the end, both looking more like Uncle Albert from Only Fools and Horses by the day.On that note, we still hope to be home for the festive season, but wind's a funny old thing !

A quick update on the fishing front: we are now using a trailing line and today had a snapped lure.This could only have been done by a large fish, so the size of the fish we don't catch continues to grow. Tomorrow , however feels like a tuna day...

Lastly, an aside to the wives.Those of you who have received  flowers from your absent husbands, hope you liked them.Those of you who did not, perhaps a few choice words on your menfolk's return.

Yours stirringly,

S. Pepys 


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