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Starblazer - 21/01/2016 – Boring.



The first few days from South Africa were extremely boisterous: strong
winds, big seas, damaged sails and mal de mer reported from several boats.
However once the wind settled a bit, the seas quietened and we all made very
good time. The departure from St Helena has been rather different. One boat
managed to sail off the mooring but by the time we were ready to leave the
wind had dropped to 5 knots, probably a suitable speed for a dinghy but not
for a heavily laden cruising boat! We unashamedly motored, probably a bit
longer than strictly necessary as the wind increased a little but we saw no
point starting a 1,916 nM passage at about 3 knots!

Yesterday the wind was not at its most helpful, we frequently found
ourselves 30o above our desired course but the twin headsails prevented us
pointing lower. During the afternoon the wind dropped completely so the
engine was back on for a couple of hours. The best breeze seemed to arise
with the very light drizzle which occasionally washed over the boat, it
might have been very light but it still soaked the cockpit cushions!

Overnight the wind has built a little; we now have between 16 and 18 knots
and are beginning to make good progress. Our ETA is the 3rd February but we
need to average about 6.5 knots, this could be a challenge unless the wind
stays with us. All we can do is hope.

Dinner last night was Bobotie, a South African minced meat recipe. I’d made
it before but this time used a spice mix package and its recipe which I’d
bought from a fantastic Italian delicatessen in Cape Town, right next door
to Butcherman, a great butchery. From the street both these shops look like
café/restaurants, however looks can be deceiving. The tables in the window
of Butcherman are for customers to enjoy the meat they have just bought,
freshly cooked on the premises while they wait. In a similar vein, the café
in the front of the Italian deli serves coffee with the roll, sandwich,
bagel etc. with a filling of your choice which you have just ordered from
the deli counter. It’s all self-service.

Hopefully there will be something to comment on tomorrow!

Joyce


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