this morning the wind started shifting around a bit and settled on SE.On
a broadreach this was pushing us more north and it was time to change
our sail configuration.Quite simple really,left the main as it
was,furled in the genoa,changed it to the other side and voila,we,are on
a run again.Smooth,fast and right on target for Ascension.Windvane mode
set on 180,dead from behind.Following seas and following winds.
We had a little black bird hitching a ride and leaving some deposits
scatterred here and there.At about 02:30 this morning a slight drizzle
came over,but soon the dark bank of clouds was starting to break up.The
moon was starting to rise and a moonbeam shining through here and there
gave me the assurance that the dark bank of clouds will blow over.when I
took over watch at ten this morning,the sun is shining,the wind pushing
us at between 10 and 12 kts from behind and our little boat is having a
lot of fun,surfing down the swells and running between 6 and 7 kts.
Last night I thought we will have Thai chicken curry.Turned out to be
Malay chicken curry and I did not had too much to clean as it was all
consumed.The deboned chicken breasts comes in 2kg packs,and instead of
defrosting the lot,I took a hacksaw and cut off one third.This amused
Pieter to the extend that he had to take a few photos.Once defrosted,I
cut the chicken into bite size pieces using a scissor.Fast,clean, neat,
perfect.When I reminded Pieter that butchers use a bandsaw to cut there
frozen meat,he agreed.Not so out of the ordinary after all.The young man
is still battling with the green monster that whirls around in his
stomach,but he is strong and brave.I feel for the man,apparently he is
on a supermodel diet.Ha ha ha.Seriously,he is better than ok,but still.
My first mate on my four previous trips,Gareth,is delivering a Fast42
from Rio back to Cape Town,his first trip as skipper.I received a
message from him,six mtr waves and 50 kts from behind.In his own
words,he got hammered.They are about 2300nm from Cape Town.Gareth and
myself had 56 kts from behind on our last trip from Cape Town to
India,between PE and East London.Not much room for error under those
conditions and I am immensily proud of the 20 year old young man.
Brad is taking the trip in his stride.He is also a pleasure to have
around,a fine sense of humor and the dynamics between the three of us
are excellent.We are busy honing our skills as a team and they learn
exceptionally quick.When the real test comes,we will be ready as can
be.What I teach them about how I want the "ropes" coiled etc is all in
preparation for super quick action when we enter the squally zone.Not
nice when you have to uncoil a sheet that has been beautifully coiled
and 30 kts of wind chasing down on you.Decorative ropework on a yacht is
not practical when you have to act quickly,and can be dangerous when
speed is crucial.One flick of the wrist and ready for action,that's what
you want.Sailing schools should up their game a bit.This is the real
thing.
To our wifes,our families,our friends,thank you ever so much for staying
in touch.We appreciate every word you send more than words can say.It is
Friday and what can we say,have a fantabulous weekend.Your support means
the world to us.
Paul
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