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Testarossa - Grind On! Grind On! Eight Days and Counting



Testarossa Daily Message: Grind On! Grind On! Eight Days and Counting... / Wednesday 25 May 2016//

As of 1343L hours on 25 May 2016, our position is: 38*24.274'N / 35*59.910'W. We are steaming 105* COG making 7.0 Kts SOG,under main and motor, 348.9 NM's from the Azores. Note: We expect to arrive Azores in approximately 2 days (Sometime Friday 27 May)

Yesterday began and ended on a high note. As related previously, the events of yesterday mid-morning and early afternoon, could not have been more exciting. Ok - well they could have been. But as far as sailing goes - it was about as good as it gets!

We had a spectacular dinner - probably the best on board so far - and impromptu birthday party afterwards. I don't think I had mentioned yet that Captain George had been slaving away in the galley. He was making some "birthday cupcakes" for (dark chocolate with chocolate icing) for Ms. Lorrie (As all great Captains do...orrrr should!;). So we had desert! A Testarossa first. The line-up went something like this:

Captain George - 4 cupcakes *
Mr. David - 3 cupcakes *
Babalou - 2 cupcakes *
Ms. Lorrie - 1 cupcake
Felipe - 1 cupcake *

* Note: These were visually verified in each one's respective doggie bowls by yours truly, and are related in a true and honest fashion. Now scoops of ice cream on the other hand...

It must also be noted for the record and by all, that desert was served with ice cream - again, a Testarossa first!

The after after party consisted of music and great discussion. The discussion became particularly animated when Captain George and Babalou started discussing American society et al. (taxes, work ethic, politics, current state of affairs ad naseum, yada yada yada...). For the most part, David and Ms. Lorrie observed, although comments were made all around. Felipe, who was providing the virtual serenade, as the guest DJ down below, did get thrust into the spotlight when called upon to be the mediator (It's always better to have a diplomat on board!). A notable moment, came about when Babalou had previously discussed how the government should make people pay more taxes, yada yada yada. He then stated that he "doesn't pay any taxes" yada yada yada...

The Captain charged the defendant with "Hypocrisy!", to which all hands looked to the moderator. Who was immediately put on the spot - (yours truly was just trying to think of what song to play next!) "Sustained!" To the uproarious laughter and hoots and hollers of all aboard.

Another notable moment, came about when certain "hand gestures" were initiated by Babalou, the result of which the moderator cried "foul!" "Hand gestures are inadmissible!" (Don't worry folks - its not what you think!). The overall outcome of which, we now have our official Testarossa "handshake" or "greeting!"

I guess, as they say - you just had to have been there!

[By the way, on a curious note, we did learn something culturally - in the sign language department, from our resident Englishman - soon to be American, David. In America, it is typically recognized as "You number one!" - now this time I am referring to said sign language that I WAS NOT referring to before; whereas in England, they give a more of "You number two!" I don't know - it apparently goes all the way back to The Battle of Againcourt, so that's the best I can do by way of explanation, although I can see the simplicity and virtue of their particular "sign." I would just caution Americans traveling in England to refrain from ordering 2 hamburgers via sign language, or anything else for that matter that comes in pairs, lest you appear revolting to our English cousins. Oh wait, we've already been there done that! ;) ]

The rest of the evening was anti-climatic, to say the least. The "four hour time-change" yesterday onboard Testarossa has thrown us all for a loop - especially on night watches. Suffice it to say, it appears that George, David, and Bob did the 1st watch, and Felipe did the second.

Coming up on deck at approximately 0100L, the conditions were gray. Gray skies - no stars, no moon, with smooth slick gray seas, and what appeared to be a light mist with a few rain drops. Nothing of note to report during the night, we continued to chugg along as the wind is yet to return, under main and motor. One vessel was spotted on the distant horizon moving left to right. We could only break out a "white light" - no nav lights, so presume it was a fishing vessel.

The morning dawned gray and late, as the dawning seemed to take forever. When the sun did finally come over the horizon, it was for a brief spectacular sunrise - of amazing glowing oranges - before going back into the gray over cast above. With Dolhins!

Today has turned out all right, with clear blue skies and cooler temps, on a rolling flat surface. We keep plugging away to get there, but alas, the Atlantic is a big place when viewed from a small boat.

And the crew is recovering from yesterday...

Update: As we prepare to send this daily report, we have just resumed sailing. Testarossa is
now making 6.4 Kts. under main and jib, steering course 102* COG, 329 NM WNW of Horta, Azores.

Personal Messages from the Crew:
-------------------------------
Captain George: only a few days till I get my sailing buddies baCK!! Miss you Kyle and Sammy!!! Miss you to Baby!!!! 1437
Ms. Lorrie: JBS ~ Please convey my Happy Birthday wishes to the always amazing Jane Hodges! I stand in her shadow and am thinking of her today at sea in the Atlantic Ocean! You too ;) XOL
Captain Rum i.e. Bablou: He is hoping that everything is fine at home and that Mother is doing ok. He sends his love to all!
Felipe: 4CJ - Thinking of you - over 1/2 way! Be back in comms B4 U know it! Miss you! Listen to Come on Back, by Keb Mo, 143 xxx / Hey Glennnn! We are at 38*N Latitude - Same as Mizzouuuuu! M I Z...ps...And we are even authorized to cross the 38th parallel...
Mr. David, Esq: Fran! Got some sweet dolphin photos today! And enjoyed Morcheeba on the ipod last night, with luminecense everywhere! Hope your week and the course is going well, miss you. KP - laughing out loud to Catch 22 today, its genius. SP - DP still cold, we are now on same time as UK so must mean we are getting close... Look forward to catching up in a few days x
------------------------------

Song(s) of the Day: Journey's End, by Blackmill
Junktion, by Beats Antique
The Sea, by Morcheeba
Edge Hill, by Groove Armada
Carnivores Unite, by Blockhead
Viper Style, by Sounds from the Ground
Miss you so Badly, by Jimmy Buffett
Come on Back, by Keb Mo
Sail, by AWOLnation

Take care all, and Cheers to all, from Team Testarossa! Azores bound, Two days out!

Testarossa Sends,
USA 143



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