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Manali - Eagles aboard the windless floating hotel



Aaaah the winds of change

 

One minute we can smell South America on the wind and Manali is surprising herself in the ARC polls.

 

The next Manali is bobbing about on calm seas and all we can think about is diving into the water to cool down!

 

1800, Wednesday 27 November 2013

 

What to do on a sail boat when you’re out of wind in the middle of The Atlantic, there’s not another boat in sight, the dolphins are jumping about and the sun is setting?  Why, you turn up Hotel California on the deck speakers and sing.  If your name is Ian, you might even dance a bit on the foredeck.  You make the most of a beautiful isolated setting.  And, yes occasionally, you look skyward and seek some divine intervention – where is the wind and where do we go? Pete saw an upside down dog in the clouds with its tail pointing in the correct direction.  And no, we did not sneak any grog on board.  Mind you, the journey over the sea without Tempranillo could be a little testing if we do not arrive in St Lucia before Christmas Eve.

 

0800, Thursday 28 November 2013

 

Manali is still unlucky in wind this morning.  We had a chat about The Situation with ARC boat Freebooter who appeared overnight and was also lolling about.  To motor or not to motor?  To wait or not to wait (some more)?  Maybe motor straight to Mindelo (Sao Vicente, Cape Verde) for some fuel?  We had a swim to clear our minds.  Decision made.  Get to Mindelo under power or sail. 

 

Who’s been doing what and why while we wander aimlessly across the Atlantic?

 

Manali crossed the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees north at 03:45 UTC this morning.

Pete continued with his preparation and delivery of gourmet meals.  He also admitted to enjoying The Serenity.  Manali’s daily menu is exceptional and we have a tonne of food and water on board.  Pete caught one huge fish but apparently it left the hook.

Pat conducted sextant lessons for a keen crew who quickly realised they were out of their depth.  But with regular lessons we might come good.

Jus survived a night watch without calling on anyone else.  Even with a cargo ship called Ocean Glory heading to Poland in close vicinity.  Nothing glorious about a 623 foot ship heading in your direction at 1am. 

Ian practised his already speedy single handed tacks.  And dancing to The Eagles.  And looking out for French boats which he wants to run down.  He’s very busy Ian the Pom (and has a tendency to shake his fist at other boats while yelling Don’t run you coward, stand and fight).

 

One sour note: We have all learned to drink (not like) soy milk.  All of the cartons of Spanish orange juice are …. Spanish soy milk.  It would be annoying to make the long Crossing and die of scurvy.

 

Adios for now as we go in search of Sirocco.  Wish us some wind!



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