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Luna Quest - Tuesday, 17th March, 2015



Noon Position: 8.27S 118.28W

Daily run: 116 miles

Last night the moderate breeze from the East gave us the smoothest run so far. Not once did the sails flap or Luna Quest protest against a rogue wave. Julia had the most peaceful night with her ribcage healing well. The little ship never heeled unduly under its goose-winged canvas; very different from yesterday afternoon, when at one point the wind failed us and the swell kept rolling the ship with sails banging and crashing. At one time we thought we would motor out of the mess and rolled up the genoa, hauling the mainsail amidships. The engine started fine, but into gear a horrible vibration and an alarming noise made themselves felt. Out of gear the engine ran smoothly, which led us to conclude that the problem lay with the propeller. Putting the gear into reverse made no difference. The propeller, which is a Bruntons variable pitch and folding one, had clearly been targeted by some random fishing gear, which is now even more securely wrapped round it without any prospect of it finding another target before we arrive in Hiva OA, but as long as the wind stays with us, we hope not to have any need of engine power.

Eric




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