Scarlet Oyster - 10 ARC 2015

TUMBLING DICE, SHE TRIED TO TAKE ME UPSTAIRS FOR A RIDE


Jach Spratt ate lots of fat And Jill ate lots of sweeties

Jack's just had a heart attack and Jill has diabetes.

We are passing through an active weather area which in practice meant a
night in a tumbling bunk. Now I know how a cat feels which falls asleep in a
tumble drier which is then switched on.

The white fluffy clouds have become large cloud lines harbouring towering
angry squalls which throw out savage unstable wind and projecting breaking
waves which rock the wind out of the spinnaker so that we plunge and gyrate
and have to work constantly on trim. At night the squalls have a thick
black base and if they pass over drop a skip load of rain.

A squall can shred a spinnaker so we spend hours on watch, dropping the
spinnaker as necessary. Half the crew then take soapy showers in the ensuing
rain. The other half, bleary eyed and sweaty, rock and roll below. They
gather the spinnaker into long bundles parcelled up with laboriously tied
wool. Then play a game of hunt the bag. In the dark. Stuff the kite in the
bag. Just so.

Then hoist again. And of we go. Singing and laughing, joking and grinding,
wet and dry, then go below.

It is very hot now by day. Towards sunset we are heading into the setting
sun and surf a dazzling silver spangled sea. We need wind instruments and
compass to steer a fast safe course and must squint furiously to read these
against the sun's bright glare.

Before leaving Ross sent a brief list of kit. Basically 4 shirts, 4 shorts
and a lightweight waterproof top. A fleece and sailing shoes. To this at
night we add a life jacket.

Must go now, lunch is on the table. Al