Our Great Leader's decision to make straight for Horta was triumphantly vindicated and we had a great sail for 30 hours until we hit a northerly wind just outside of the harbour here. All were glad to have avoided the ignominy of having to stop for more fuel. In fact we turned out t have 50-60 litres left so we could have done quite a bit more motoring if required.
GOZWOZ has done really well. Most importantly, while things have gone wrong, we have been able to repair them as we have gone along and there is nothing more we need to do at present.
Yesterday involved free drinks and a meal for the recently arrived boats on the ARC Europe. Some of the crew made the most of what had been laid on and the Navigator had to retire to his berth for a period of quiet reflection. Tonight we have reserved a table at a fish restaurant at Porto Pim.
The marina here is full of long distance boats coming and going and the moles are covered with paintings left by yachts which have passed through. While we were refuelling yesterday we were joined by a single-handed sailor who was about to complete his world voyage and told us with relish of a storm he had endured in the Indian Ocean. Our achievement is relatively modest in comparison.
Minnow II performed poorly and had the unfortunate habit of rotating on the end of the line which is now looking rather kinked. In the hope that the line remains usable Minnow III has been acquired which the Navigator is confident will entice the tastiest of tuna. It has an iridescent finish and its packaging describes it as having a "new sound system!!!" Perhaps it could join GL in whistling Men of Harlech or one of his other tunes.
Apologies to Doctor Navigator for giving her the wrong title. As I have pointed out to her we are not formal on GOZWOZ and this blog does not refer to Doctor Bosun, Doctor Coxswain etc. Of course the doctors in this crew are no longer in practice which may explain why, when asked how to reduce a dislocated shoulder, they had to find the answer on YouTube! I'm sure, however, that Mrs Doctor OGL would know how to do it without resort to the internet. All of this has encouraged Doctor Roger to offer to carry out the duties of complaints officer at an enhanced salary, though it has been pointed out that she no longer has a salary.