In Tune -6th December. A rough night

With stronger winds and rain storms forecast we decided to bring down the Parasailor on sundown last night to get a safe and comfortable night. Well everything is relative. The rain storms came through as forecast as did the stronger wind. Lying in our bunks trying to sleep was like trying to sleep inside a washing machine. Sitting up at the helm on watch in the rain was unpleasant. By 3 am the rain had cleared and we were back to starry skies again. Two flying fish decided to drop in to visit us on deck.

Today has not seen the wind drop however, so our crew meeting this morning decided to continue to run under the genoa only; it is slower but easier to manage and no danger of breaking gear. With 3 metres of seas the waves can be as high as the boat, rearing up behind us almost blocking the view until the boat rises. A slow day fishing with only one strike this morning which did not hookup. Steve is losing confidence in the Kit Kat wrapper lures.

Some (bad) news from the ARC control today that a non-ARC boat, Second Wind, had issued a pan pan call (urgent) last night that they had hit a whale, damaged their rudder and taking on water. Philip & Geraldine have friends on a boat called Second Wind and were in Las Palmas, so they are hoping it is not them. ARC control also mentioned a few days ago that there had been a man overboard on a non-ARC boat. A reminded that this can be dangerous. (Anyone googling news of these events please email us what has happened.) Dinner tonight is bbq burgers & sausages. Martin says "hello" to granny.