Just when a routine sets in and the days meld into each other something happens that you know will be a memory that will live with you for a very long time.
'At Last' had unfortunately developed an issue with their Autohelm, as we did on the Caribbean crossing, but at least we only had a few days of hand helming, they were faced with the another 2,000 nautical miles one way, 1,000 the other - eeek. We had some spares from our issue that seemed to be just the thing to fix theirs so we organised a handover. What an afternoon. Seeing At Last appear over the horizon in brilliant sunshine and lively seas in the middle of the Southern Pacific, and then sail nearby for the hand-over was a glorious sight.
The first attempt involved trailing a line down wind and down stream (at 7 knots boat speed) with the parts in an empty 5ltr water bottle. Janet was at the helm and Mark on the boat hook, whilst Jonathan let out the line. After several valiant attempts (and I really hope the video I took does the scene justice) it was decided a different approach was necessary. Like all good sailors, never let an experience go to waste, it was decided to swing the bottle 'a la Panama Canal' style with At Last coming alongside as near as they could. Sadly after some very close calls it was decided this also wasn't working, so a neater trailing arrangement with slightly different positioning was organised. Whoop de doo it worked! Mark's reach and Janet's brilliant helming had at last paid off. Cheers and hugs all round.
We have now parted company after Mark confirmed that the parts had done the job and they were now opening something of a sparkling nature. Janet has also proclaimed that the refined Autohelm is to be known as 'Matilda' from this day forth. Makes me all choked up just thinking about it...