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Starblazer - 09/09/2015 – Taking the positives from a frustrating passage



I promise not to moan, except perhaps in the last paragraph!

During the first 22½ hours, from start line to 0900 radio net, we sailed
albeit rather slowly tacking out of Darwin. The wind backed, allowing us to
clear Bathurst Island without tacking yet again. Sadly the breeze was
rather weak and becoming increasingly weaker when we made the decision to
start the engine. At this point we were not last.

We have now motored almost non-stop for 7 days. Every day we have stopped
the engine for the duration of the radio nets which has given John the
chance to check the oil and freshwater cooling levels. We still have about
a quarter of a tank, fantastic economy forced on us by the problems with the
unbalanced prop.

At 0957 local start time we crossed the finish line with an hour to spare!
At times it looked unlikely when the tide was against us and our speed over
the ground dropped to less than 3 knots. According to the log we are only
making 2.7 through the water on the level of revs John is happy to maintain
so a favourable current/tide is rather necessary.

I think that about sums up the positives concerning the passage making but
there are other positives to take from this passage. The sunsets are lovely
and one evening we were rewarded with the biggest green flash we have ever
seen. Usually the conversation goes: “Was that a slight green hue I saw
there?” This time there was no doubt, it was more like a huge green bubble,
momentary but clearly visible. (John: I saw a bright green dot and then a
second one). The major beauty in the sky is either just after sunset when
the western horizon turns a beautiful deep red or just before sunrise. ABS
to those that understand!

One afternoon we were visited by a large pod of dolphins. These guys were
really showing off, I even managed to catch a photo of one mid-air; John
took a video of them jumping about. I think this was the best dolphin
display close to the boat that we have seen. Previously the acrobatic
dolphins have been camera shy, performing too far away for a photo
opportunity.

The seas have been really calm with just a gentle swell rolling across.
This has meant living aboard has been very comfortable: cooking though
rather on the hot side has been easy; I made the best banana bread
yesterday that I think I have ever made; I have perfected the ‘crustless
quiche’ baked in a silicon cake tin; we are eating well.

On passage I don’t tend to read but I like to keep busy so this passage I
have stitched a birthday card and a Christmas card and pieced together a
courtesy flag for Mauritius for our friends on Circe. I don’t think I’ll
get the machine out until we are anchored unless the last 27 miles of the
passage go pear shaped.

We have been able to cool down with showers and I have done two lots of
washing by hand, both of these activities made possible by trusting the
water maker! John has completely filled the tanks twice, not that we had
even emptied the top tank.

Now for my final paragraph which might sound a bit like a moan! So far we
are carrying the tide towards our next waypoint just before we make the turn
into the Lombok Straight, 12 miles wide at the entrance and blessed/cursed
with strong currents. For UK yachties think Hurst Narrows without the
inshore passage north of the Shingles. To add more interest the tide only
flows north for 5 hours starting at 2100 local time this evening. According
to the tidal flow data sheet we have been given, the south flowing tide
reached a peak flow rate of 3.6knots between 0500 and 0600 then it gradually
reduces to about 1 knot at 1000 but starting to increase again at 1300. We
are on schedule to reach the entrance at about 1100 local, which looks just
right but there is a problem. Almost every boat has reported much stronger
tidal flows than forecast and the passage is about 10 miles long. With no
helpful wind, only being able to achieve 3 knots on engine, we will almost
certainly get caught by the increasing tidal flow. The worst case scenario
is that we will actually go backwards! We intend to stay inshore to see if
there is a helpful back eddy as you sometimes find in the Solent. All we
can do is hope for wind, for the best etc.

Joyce


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