Starship Moonstream.
Star Log Saturday, 16th June, 2012.
Sorry for the radio silence for the last few days. We now have time to bring everyone up-to-date. Our last log entry was in Camaret after a very wet and lumpy crossing from Plymouth (we must have upset Neptune somehow). We were one of only three boats to make the dash to Camaret on 3rd – 4th June, with Gertha and Murphy. Ailsa tried to follow but developed engine trouble and had to be towed into L’Aberwrach. All the other boats stayed holed-up in Falmouth, awaiting an improvement in the weather.
Ken and Chris did not have a very “happy” crossing. This, the delayed start to the rally and other commitments at home and in Portugal, triggered their decision to come home temporarily. Chris and Jane finally decided they would have to abandon their participation in the rally altogether as the delayed start had wiped out their free time. Ken would fly back with Sue to do their planned land tour of Portugal, rejoining Moonstream when she had crossed the Bay and arrived at Bayona.
The weather picture across the Bay and most of the Atlantic coast remained very bad with a succession of deep lows coming up from the Atlantic. This kept the fleet in port for several more days. Finally, with a perceived weather window, Jim, Tim, Maureen and Caroline decided to “go for it” at 12.45 on Saturday, 9th June. And go for it they did with horrible winds on the nose. First day out was again sent by an ever more capricious Neptune who must have been in a foul mood. However, Thor did allow us a peep at a half moon which trailed its way from the horizon to its companion Moonstream. Some stars also dipped across the horizon.
Jim (Skip)and Maureen took one watch and Tim (1st Mate) and Caroline the other. Skip Jim decided on four hours on and four hours off which worked very well. Maureen and Caroline managed to stand their watches all right but did not manage to conjure up any delicacies from the galley – conjuring up food is indeed the right phrase in Force 5/6 when the wind is on the nose. Jim and Tim though did indeed conjure up wonderful bacon sandwiches, soup and the crews’ favourite snacks.
Occasional dolphins were around to keep us company but they were not in plentiful supply –again the irate Neptune must have sent them to accompany some more privileged sailors.
Two days into our voyage brought a complication. Very unfortunately Maureen lost a handhold below decks at 04.00 as she prepared to go on watch and fell very nastily, landing on her back across her bunk. She was obviously in lots of pain and on hindsight amazingly stood her watch. But off watch her pain was increasing and Jim and Tim put her to bed in the saloon bunk wedging her in carefully. At this point Jim and Tim decided that our priority was to get Maureen ashore and have her examined medically.
By lunch time, and with relief, we made the Spanish coast and put into Ribadeo. Once in hospital Xrays showed M had a fracture of her fourth vertebrae. She took the news bravely but sadly this meant the end of the Rally for her and for her husband, Geoff. It also meant the cancellation of their family holiday with their grandchildren in August. As we write, Maureen is still in the Spanish hospital, accompanied by husband Geoff, and waiting to be flown back to the UK on Monday by air ambulance. She will have to spend six weeks flat on her back and maybe also have her back pinned.
In view of the Rally commitments and other crews’ plans Jim and Tim took Moonstream round Finisterre to Baiona, and Caroline waited with Maureen until Geoff flew in to be with Maureen the next day.
Now in Baiona Jm, Tim and Caroline have been joined by Ken and Sue and tomorrow we start Leg 2 of the Rally. The sun has actually come out this afternoon, the wind has diminished and we are hopeful of a good 50 nm coastal sail southwards to Pavoa.
We will be in touch again as soon as poss.