Amandla Kulu - D15_ ALL HANDS ON DECK: Damp, wet and moist

Captain’s Log. Star Date 05 Dec.

Day 15. Sixteenth day on the water.

2336 GMT.
2136 Local.

13º 10 N
050º 11 W


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Everyday is a school day.

Up and down restless night. Plenty of squalls and boats to miss. Always happier to be called to deck early, opposed to other alternatives.

This morning, feels a million years ago. Sails were up and down, in and out. Dropped the Zero for inspection of the halyard — chafe is our enemy. Peter spotted a new hole in the leach, quick and focused stitching team went to work.

Hoist resulted in a big wrap — it was easier to drop and sort on deck, once it had become clear of the forestay. We are still working really perfect our winch practice to high-end pro level.

Zero on deck, we unwrapped and re-hoisted.

Next words that I uttered, “All Hands On Deck!” The Zero dropped off its own accord into the sea. Crew were up together and pulling the sail back onboard. Heart in mouth, I was looking at the head of the sail as it was retrieved. I was anticipating seeing a shackle with a sheered halyard attached.

Nope. A naked head of Zero. In slow motion, my eyes diverted to the foredeck. Tom’s eyes met mine, as he was raising his hand with the words, “my bad …”

The shackle had not been secured fully to the head of the sail. As a consequence, the shackle opened under load and sail fell into the sea. We were lucky there was less than ten knots of wind.

Peter and Tom then had a, “I’m Sparticus” moment, as they were holding hands up as to who was responsible.

One of the greatest things is the ownership for when shit hits the fan. We can run an autoposy as to the what, the how and the why … how to prevent for next time, once everyone is safe.

The only way to recover the halyard was to go and get it. I had a focused conversation with Tom and have him the option to remain on deck. There was no obligation for him to go aloft. He volunteered and long and epic story short, shot up the forestay, gathered the halyard, inspected the gate at the mast and dropped back down again.

I got a few hours sleep in the afternoon. Will gave me a shout — squall inbound. We’d been lucky so far and dodged the squalls. This one had our name on it.

It was one of those moments when you realise you’re about to get very wet. Luckily this is 13º North, opposed to 53º + for winter Northern European sailing warm joy.

Since then have been dodging squalls and seeking breeze where there has not been any.

A yacht we dodged this morning, Serendipity notified us the AIS was not appearing on their plotter. I restarted the unit, and have spent some time attempting to get it transmitting. AIS is a useful little thing that plots vessel position on the electronic charts. It is easy to become over-reliant on the electronic devices.

The AIS plotter displays position, vessel name, course details and MMSI number. Handy for hailing the fellow seafarers.

Just before loosing touch with Serendipity, they asked us via VHF to send an email to their sat com provider asking for more credit. Computer says no!

Understand they are back up and on com.

Time is past my bedtime. Need to sleep. Another long and squall filled, with added driving rain in no breeze night awaits.

Fair breeze. God speed and following seas

Pip

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