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Starblazer - 10/04/2014 – Reasons



First of all, an apology to anyone who expected to read this a few hours
ago. Yesterday tiredness hit me and I took a 2 hour sleep mid-afternoon
with the result that I did not sleep between 2000 and 2300. I coped with
both my watches but fell asleep at 0800. That would not normally have
delayed the log but the Hydrovane needed careful watching and the computer
battery was flat so I couldn’t write this in the cockpit.

Reasons to celebrate: Horace the Hydrovane, aka Q, has taken over steering
duties from the thirsty autopilot. He’s keeping a relatively good course
but occasionally gets overpowered by a strong gust or a sudden slap by a
large swell. That’s when the watch needs to be ready to help get the boat
back on course.

We completed 1,000 miles from the start at 0500 this morning, so celebratory
steaks for dinner tonight. Only 1960 to go!

Related to our use of Q, the reduced demand on the batteries means the solar
panels can slowly build up their charge during the day. We only needed to
run the engine for 1hr 30m in neutral during the night.

For the second day running we achieved 159 mile towards our destination, our
ETA looks achievable.

Reasons for concern: Because of the problems with the generator, we had been
using the engine to charge the batteries but it isn’t economical. Our fuel
tanks are down to ¼, granted we had to do a fair amount of motoring during
the first few days but we don’t want to run out! Yes, we still have about
180 litres in cans as back up, that’s about another 40% of a tank. Musing
about our power consumption led John to get Q working. (John, should have
done it weeks ago.)

When checking the fuel level I noticed we were down to ¾ tank of water.
This is worrying because it means that the top tank, about 330 L, is empty
as the gauge only works on the bottom tank. We have been extremely careful
with our water usage and expected the top tank to last at least 2 weeks.
Does this explain the water appearing in the saloon bilge which we have to
pump overboard? We will try the generator and water maker later today.

We are fit and well, do not worry about us. If all else fails, we have 15
litres of water in bottles, packaged water in the grab bag and a PUR
Survivor hand operated water maker which is slow, painful to use but, at a
pinch, could make water if needed. We also have beer, lemonade and tonic
(not to mention the necessary gin, limes and lemons!).

The cook was feeling lazy last night so dinner was the chili I had cooked on
Friday followed by Greek yoghurt and honey.

Joyce



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