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Testarossa - Over Half Way - No Turning Bank Now



Testarossa Daily Message: Over Half Way - No Turning Back Now! / Sunday 22 May 2016//

A well known joke from my childhood was about a guy who set out to swim across the Atlantic. He got half way, decided he couldn't make it...so turned around and swam back!

Folks - you don't want to be "that guy!" Nor are we, aboard the good ship Testarossa - We press on! We are beyond the point of no return. Azores or bust...err...boom!

Last night at approximately 0100L, Testarossa passed the 1/2 way mark. A tremendous psychological boost to all onboard! It's all down hill here from here. More to that however, as we shall soon see...

As of 1441L hours on 22 May 2016, our position is: 36*11.303'N / 45*08.818'W. We are steaming 096* COG making 7.1 Kts SOG, still under reduced sail, 800.2 NM's from the Azores.

So here's whats been going on...

Yesterday:

Dinner last evening was Hamburgers! Great cooked hamburgers with pork n beans - all very tasty and good! Thanks Ms. Lorrie!

A beautiful sunset last evening as a bright orange sky lite up the western sky. Some dark clouds were still skittering across the sky, and the moon quickly rose, illuminating brightly the sky and horizon.

A lumpy watch on the 7-2-11's for Bobalou & Felipe as a few waves splashed aboard dousing parts of the cockpit. But this was nothing compared to what the 11-2-6er's got, as they had a large wave break over the vessel, with water completely passing over and eveloping the dodger and bimini. For us down below, it was roll left...roll right...roll left...roll right. Come on everybody, you can do it: roll left...roll right...

Today:

Awoke to an absolutely gorgeous day! Blue skies all around, some small puffy cumulous clouds here and there, balmy breezes, and much cooler temps. It feels like fall! Actually, it feels like we are out on a "3-hour Tour," out for a day sail and to enjoy a picnic on the water.

And the Atlantic! How grand she is today! Beautiful dark blue azure color, the sun glinting off the small wavelets here and there, large rolling swells coming across from our port side. It is truly amazing to see the heights involved in the swells. One minute, you can be on top of the swell (Keep in mind, about 10' off the water surface), and see down into the "valley" - the trough before the next wave. The height differential is incredible (dare I say 50' or more on occasion). For it really is like being on a small hill looking down into an aquatic valley.

Speaking of waking up...Whales! Thar she blows! Was the cry heard this morning, as Babalou and Lorrielou spotted two whales off our port quarter. It was enough to rouse out Felipe and Sir David, although by the time we came up on deck, the sightings were a mere memory. Which leads me to believe that these "unconfirmed sightings" were only a whale of a story...

Breakfast this morning was continental style, self serve down in the galley, featuring Lorrie's patented blue berry muffins! Turns out, it was an experiment, and we all were the guinea pigs, for the ship's oven only has numbered setting with no mention of what temperature range corresponds to what setting. All in all, they turned out great, and even Babalou was seen going back below decks for seconds...

Ship's work commenced after breakfast. First order of business - to address the water maker. A sensor had tripped and our ability to make fresh water was curtailed. After Captain George had to perform his favorite "pretzel manuever" and crawl down in a very small compartment astern in order to changing out the filter and run a test - the result was uncovering a pump that is not working. All that to say - we can't make anymore fresh water for the remainder of the trip. No to worry folks, we have plenty of "drinking champagne" on board, so we surely won't expire due to thirst.

The next order of business - was to get the mainsail rigged and up, so we can get it running again. This was an all hands evolution, almost everyone going topside to get the sail redeployed to the starboard side, re-run some lines for a new main sheet, roll up the bottom of the sail to the second reef point, as well as getting it raised. After some time of working on it, all ended up swimmingly, as we are now running under a jury-rigged, "loose-footed" main sail. This greatly improves our ride, as we are not rolling nearly so much, and are much more stable; as well as greatly improves our speed. We are now making 9.3Kts of boat speed, approximately 8.2-8.9 Kts. SOG. Yee Haw! The consensus on board is that this will get us into port quicker so Bob can enjoy his daily showers sooner.

Lunch was PBJ's again - Oh yeah! As this was easy and requires no water! The crew don't mind so much, as it is the staple food of aviators and free men alike - so we are quite comfortable on that tack...

The guest DJ put in his appearance again today, with some great tunes wafting over the cool waters of the Atlantic. Amongst other songs today, we hear Pavoratti play Nessun Dorna - one of my all time favorites. He must have been inspired by sailing when he sang that song, as the translation from Italian to English begins - "No one sleeps..." As last night was quite "lumpy" on board with our many rolls - I believe it!

And now a brief word about Wild life: Atlantic Sea Birds. - There is one bird that we have observed abundantly, that I am referring to as "wings overs" for the aviation manuever that they fly. These birds resembles a seagull somewhat, as they are dark grey on their topsides, blackish head, and white fuselage. They fly along at a screaming pace just along the surface - displaying their excellent aviating skills. The reason I call em "Wing overs" is because they will pop up into the wind, approximately 20-30' in the air, and perform a sharp turning dive back down to the waters surface. Incredible flying! Amazing to watch! Wing overs are a favorite amongst the crew to watch.

Request for Assistance from our readers: A few questions we have been asking ourselves that we are trying to find out the answers for. If anyone knows the answers or can direct us - it is very much appreciated!
1) How long will an aluminum can last under sea / salt water? (In terms of months, years, etc?)
2) How fast can Dolphins swim?
3) Anyone know what kind if seabirds these "wing overs" might be?

Inquiring minds want to know...

Personal Messages from the Crew:
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Captain George: We have the main sail pulling and it looks quite nice. Much bettert motion and inproved speed. Thanks for the third reef point tip RZ, it makes a huge difference!! And thanks once again to my partner in crime for making all of the conference calls work!!!!!
Ms. Lorrie: Will respond manana!
Babalou: Speechless for once.
Felipe: 4CJ - Baby hope all is well at home! Possible to call about the prop this week? Hopefully they are finished with it. Also, need to know cost..Thanks so so much! Really appreciate all - thinking of you! xxx wink emoticon
Mr. David, Esq: FRANPAN! Thanks for the email, got it today, was so nice hearing from you... Glad you are having some good times with Berg, and some nice waves... Seeing as this is often a one way conversation I will address various points of your email over next few days - for now I would just add please be careful with your bow - and do you have a name for your bow yet?? Unforuntately, despite sprinting from my cabin in my pants I did not see the whales, still on lookout, AND thanks for the footy result. Love Dp x
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Song of the Day: Sol, by Solar Fields (Its electronica - but we think you will enjoy it!)

Take care all, and Cheers from the House of Half-way!

Ps...David forecasting / predicting a "green flash" this evening. What does this mean?

Testarossa Sends,
USA 143



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