Solid sunshine wall to wall - our
world just a flat disk, where we are the only inhabitants, and there are NO
WALLS.
Qualifications follow.
The first day and a half were (was) grey
and windy. Our course is due North True, so we rode the Variation on the
compass (best). Progress was very good, but comfort suffered a little. As we
traced the edges of the Trade wind swell, motion was screwy, with yaw, pitch,
rock and roll (4 dimensions). I tried to brave it without pills but failed. Nick
was wiser than me, and as ever, Mike was stronger! So I succumbed to the pills
24hrs late and all was rosy in the world.
The wind began to falter, following the
Australian's forecast to the letter. Having managed about 7Kts on genoa and
mizzen, now we were fully dressed with main. By Sunday pm we tried even the
cruising chute, but the die had been cast, and at 3 pm the donkey went
on.
Why 2 x 2? There was a call early on, Solferino had
to go back - we were particularly sorry, as we had met them at the Peg Leg
dinner, and looked forwards to continuing the contact. Others went back but
rejoined later, one of them a crew of two young girls on their own, who'd gone
round the World, I believe, very brave (Sammy and Dee)! There was a call on Ch77
in the afternoon from a boat with a medical problem on board. A vessel called
offering medical advice, well done Dr Bill! Yet another boat with a net round
its propeller. Again, no problem, another vessel with scuba gear rode down to
their rescue. Beats Neighbours every time!
But seriously, well done Andrew Bishop, this
is truly an Ark!
Thank you,
Eddie
(Winter)