Something familiar about the weather again. Steady 20 knots easterly. Misty is still rolling and pitching at around 7 knots.
We are all a bit batted and bruised. Sleep had been an issue particularly for the upper class crew who have cabins. These are located at the bows and stern and are most vulnerable to pitching and then with the excess rolling on top, it is proving difficult to fall asleep. My bunk is the saloon sofa and is located in the centre of the boat so I have to contend mainly with the rolling. There are of course numerous interruption all night with watch changes, tea making etc. However I’m much better off as my magical lea cloth removes most of the roll issues. The trick is to pull it up tight to the cabin roof, just like a sail on a beat, no sag. I leave the sofa back cushion in place leaving just enough room for my slim lithe form to slide into place. Sleeping easily until Dugald wakes me for my turn on watch.
Conservation is the game out here. We are dependant on battery power to run the navigation systems and the services. With limited diesel we limit running the engine to charge to batteries and provide hot water.
We have two photovoltaic panels on the cockpit roof and our trusty Emelda (wind generator) so we can supply some support but the big power drainers are the water maker, autopilot, freezer and radio transmitter. Normally the windlass and bow thrusters would be on the list but they are used mainly in port.
We have abandoned the use of the freezer and Fiz Wiz is working through its contents. Deconstructed “Shepherds Pie” took care of the defrosting beef last night. Without the hydrovane we are taking turns to steer. If we don’t run the watermaker then conserving fresh water is our major goal (we do have limited bottled water in reserve). Showers have been replaced by sink washes. After meal washing up uses mainly salt water. Clothes washes are also minimised. Not surprising that there are no boats near us.
To help I’ve brought along my own washing machine. As you can see it’s a simple design, no threat to Zanussi. A hand wash in the sink with saltwater and a touch of detergent, then transfer the contents to the bag and tow from the stern for a couple of minutes. The surging froth and foam that follows the boat is just like a real machine. One final freshwater rinse in the sink and we can adorn the handrails with an eclectic range of rags.
We want to look our best crossing the finishing line in St Lucia ( 1070nm to go)
Alan
Pic of Top of range portable washer. Pat not pending.
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