Friday, March 9, 2012

An unexpected breeze

The full moon was an amazing sight in the clear skies last night on the
Pacific. So much so that I was prompted to take the binoculars, lie on
my back and stare at this bright ball in the sky. Soon after I took over
watch at midnight the breeze started settling in. First I had the genoa
out, still motoring but now going a knot faster. Half an hour later I
turned the motor off and soon it was time to set up our second headsail.
The moon was so bright that I did not need to switch on the deck light
or wear a headlamp. Got all the lines ready, started one motor to make
hoisting the second headsail easier and up she went. What an immense
thrill as always to see both sails working in unison, catching the
breeze and gradually building speed.

I was just about to settle in for my watch when it was over, far too
quick. Steven and Eduan also decanted ten 30ltr drums of diesel into our
tanks, packed the drums away and cleaned the area where the drums were
tied down. Lovely to work at night under the moonlight as it is getting
rather hot during the day. The wind we are having was not really
predicted and we are truly thankful for this blessing. We have a long
way to go, should have enough diesel, but the more we sail the harder we
can motor when we have to.

We saw two turtles yesterday. Nick spotted the first one while we are
having a delicious roasted chicken ala Nicolas. As we were motoring it
was easy to turn the boat around but we could not find the turtle again.
Such a pleasure to get up close to these creatures and swim with them a
bit. An hour later Eduard spotted another turtle but we were
motorsailing with the mainsail and genoa up and would take some time to
turn around. Conditions are good for fishing this morning and we have
two lures out, both new lures. Who knows what will be served for supper
tonight.The sushimi we had yesterday was such an appetizer, we were
really grateful to be able to use our pickled ginger, wasabi and soya
sauce. Had the sushimi portions in the freezer for a while to firm it
up and the results were first class. Steven and myself had some for
lunch, Nick had his portion when he woke up although he seared some of
his, ?, and Eduard was not used to the delicasy at all, only managing
to stomach one piece.Mmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Nautical term today is Rummage, from the French 'arrumer' which means to
pack closely. The word was common in the 16th century and described the
method of cargo stowage and later the cargo itself. Its later meaning,
to poke about, ransack, turn over roughly or jumble, is thought to have
come from the warehouses and quayside where cargo was stored awaiting
shipment. Such a variation of items and materials, frequently intended
for different destinations, would have needed some sorting out.

Our position at 10am was 05*23'N/082*37'W. We are about 670nm from
Galapagos and 4300nm from Tahiti. Long way to go still, but we are
back into the rhythm of the motion of the ocean.

Wishing you a fabulous weekend.

Captain Paul

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