Monday night
Our overnight watch rota consist of 2 hour shifts starting at 22.00. After initially drawing lots for the first we shift forwards on progressive nights. So I came in at 02.00 this morning, welcomed by a splendid cup of tea and a choc biscuit by the departing Dugald. We watched a huge tanker pass by on the starboard side and the AIS picked up many of the fleet motoring in the same direction. Doing nearly 6 knots on a glassy sea surrounded by a thin mist took minimal observation. Plenty of time for blogging.
The addition of industrial quantities of antifreeze meant the engine was no longer overheating so we motored through the night. Getting the hot water working was to be resolved in daylight.
We did enjoy an feast produced by our resident culinary wizard Fiona. She called it just a chillie but served with guacamole, a salsa sauce and grated cheese it would not have been bettered by Mr Oliver. It was hot!! We also had a fresh Ceviche tuna starter marinated in lime so we went to our beds very satisfied despite a difficult day.
Tuesday morning.
Another windless dawn greeted us so we spent most of the day motoring and refilling the calorifer.
I would like to thank Maalu, a member of the fleet who called us on the radio yesterday to see if we needed assistance. They noticed that we had stopped and were wallowing around. We assured them that we were making “ repairs” and would soon be on our way again. Alistair was deep in the Lazarette at the time with Capt Jon chasing the airlock. We also managed to get the fishing line caught around our rudder.
Today was more of the same but at 15.15 with 8 knots of wind behind us we hoisted the kite and we’re rewarded with 5.4 knots quietly downwind.
I wonder what our wizard has in store for tea this evening.
Alan
Picture of a friendly dolphin on the bow.
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