can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Quasar V of Lleyn - logs 12,13,14 November



Wednesday 12th November

 

DEPARTURE AT LAST AND A BOAT PET AT LAST!

 

Customs and Immigration turned up at 6.30am to check us out of La Reunion.  We left at 10.45am headed for Durban, South Africa, approximately a 1,400 mile leg, taking us around the south coast of Madagascar.  Winds were initially light but soon strengthened to a south-easterly force 3 and we were making good speed on a close reach. 

 

Lindsey put together the lunch; fresh French baguettes, cheeses, hams and salad.  As JB was munching through the lettuce leaves she came face to face with a tiny little baby slug munching its way through a leaf.  There was a momentary stand off before both realised that this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.  Lindsey and JB promptly built it a home in a plastic container and she is now the boat pet.  With a steady supply of lettuce leaves and water she has already put on weight.  Initially named "Brian" her occasional sulks suggest to us that she may be a woman and as such she has been renamed "Brianna".

 

Early evening brought with it a strengthening wind, which oscillated in direction and force.  So JB challenged the auto-pilot to a duel to see who was the better helmsperson/gadget.  You'll be pleased to know that artificial intelligence was firmly put in its place with JB sailing the boat a full knot faster.  It was glorious sailing weather.

 

Thursday 13th November

 

THE SUDDEN DISAPPEARANCE OF BRIANNA

 

Never mind the sailing; Brianna's gone!  Our boat pet has disappeared in to thin air.  We didn't even get a chance to build her a slug slide (we thought a hamster wheel might prove physically difficult for her in the early stages of her development). The boat has fallen into subdued silence and disbelief. We've left her condo on the coach roof with some fresh lettuce leaves, just in case she's just on a jaunt.

 

The wind continues to vary between 10-18 knots and thankfully is sweeping in from the south-east which is pushing us nicely in the right direction.  It is slowly backing to east/north east.

 

Judith made a delightful chicken pasta dish this evening.

 

Friday 14th November

 

CARGO SHIPS AND SPINNAKERS

 

Last night's watch was eventful with a huge cargo ship coming within 1.5 miles of us.  We were on a converging course so Linds decided to call them up on the VHF.  A rather amusing conversation ensued between her and the Russian watch leader and we soon established that their cargo was a sizeable oilrig!  On a number of occasions he chortled down the radio at Linds's light-hearted comments.  An extract from their conversation:

 

Linds: "And how many crew do you have on board your ship?"

Russian: "27, all men.....(pause)...oh no 26 men and one woman"

Linds: "I hope you look after your one woman?"

Russian: Chortling in to his mike".. yes..[chortle]...of course we do,"

 

We all laughed as we thought he had perhaps momentarily forgotten Ludmilla Gorbechov, the Russian national shot put Olympic champion, the ship's stoker!!

 

With the wind backing to the east/north east and easing off, John stealthily hoisted the spinnaker at first light, 7.00am and Quasar sped along at 8-10 knots, yawing slightly but feeling very comfortable and at ease.

 

As the day meandered into evening, the sea settled down and the moon rose behind us lighting up the sky.  Judith made the most delicious supper: steak in mushroom and red wine sauce, with vegetables and mash..mmmmm..it warmed the cockles of everyone's heart!

 

Still no sign of Brianna.      




Previous | Next