Nothing but a dreamer

This morning at three the squalls started coming through thick and fast.
During the day all the crew were properly instructed and had a few goes
at furling in the headsail safely and easily. They are all learning the
different options of dealing with squalls. First try and run with it and
should it carry on too long or get too strong turn into the wind and
either motor or sail with a deeply furled headsail into the storm. If it
really gets out of hand the option is always there to hove to but they
haven't learned this manouevre yet. I will show them how to do this
shortly, just so they know and understand the dynamics involved. All
this builds confidence, both in the yacht and in their abilities.

At about eight this morning Eduan was on watch and I just got up to
greet the day. From behind we saw a substantial number of pigmy killer
whales surfing past us at speed. Their round heads makes them easy to
identify and they are not actually whales but part of the dolphin
family, and more specific the Electra group of dolphins, according to my
WHALES, DOLPHINS AND SEALS - A Field guide to the Marine Mammals of the
World. What an awesome sight they were and what a way to start the day,
and Valentines Day of all days. I think everyday should be Valentines
Day, or Mother's Day, or Father's Day or even Freedom Day. But not in
the commercial sense of these days. I just think we should love and care
and respect and show gratitude every day, to each and everyone around
us. And everyonbe should also be able to accept all the above gracefully
and thankfully. But then I am a dreamer, amongst other things.

Coming back to the harsh weather, it is taking it's toll on our
bodies. Nick opted to sleep in the saloon last night after his watch and
for good reason. One can only stand so much levitation. Being on the
weather side bow his cabin gets the most movement which brings me to
another interesting term with nautical origins : - 'Posh' It is said
that the letters P.O.S.H. were printed on the tickets of 1st class
passengers travelling to and from India in the days of British rule.
There is no evidence to support this although the term was current and
comes from the practise of wealthy passengers booking a cabin on the
port side of the ship outward bound, a starboard cabin when coming home,
which in each case was the cooler side of the ship away from the glare
of the sun.The word poshy stood for Port Out, Starboard Home.

Our position at 10 am was 05*34'N/050*29'W. We are also sad to hear
about Whitney Houston passing away recently and hope that she has found
peace at last. She was certainly one of the greatest divas of all time
and I am sure the world is better place because she lived. R.I.P
Whitney.

Captain Paul