On wings and things on Leka Lewa

After our initial smooth and fast, then slowly motoring with no wind on
a beam sea, to having twin headsails up and surfing down the swells
rolling in from behind and making good miles till the wind started
fading a bit. From a rushing 8+kts down to 4 kts but we kept on sailing,
conserving our fuel for the way ahead. This morning the wind backed a
little more and it was time to drop one of the headsails and raise the
main. Full main to start with and with the flat seas and full headsail
we were once again sailing fast. The wind slowly climbed and settled at
16kts, well within the safety parameters of our sail configuration.
Holding a steady 8+ kts we found the natural speed of the boat. Three or
so hours later we decided to reef both main and headsail to 1st reef.
And fantastic results, going even faster with less stress on the rigging
and the boat. Our position currently 17h30 on 18/02 is 24*31'S and
008*59'E. We have covered 750nm in the last 5 days averaging 6.25kts and
happy with our progress so far.

Yesterday morning being Sunday we had the usual Sunday bacon and egg
breakfast. We also for some reason have a lot to do on Sundays. Had to
set up the twin headsails, wash the deck down a bit, fill the watertanks
from our drums and so the list went on. We rest six days a week and on
the seventh day we work. Not deliberately or by design, that is just the
way it always seems to work out. For lunch we had a mixed fresh salad
with feta sprinkled on top. Malcolm also baked his best yet bread. I
will try to post a pic of this masterpiece at St. Helena. The internet
there does not always allow us such luxuries but we will try. For supper
we had Toad in the Hole, a traditional dish consisting of pork bangers and
a special pastry, covered with some tomato and onion gravy. Always
delectable and an old English dish if I am not mistaken. Also prepared
by Malcolm, seems he is a workaholic. This morning we had our birchem
muesli fruit fantasy breakfast again. Another batch of rusks also saw
the light, the first batch only lasting four days. The new batch was
sampled at teatime but with coffee. For lunch Jacob whipped together
some flapjacks and they did not last long either. He enjoys it with a
soft fried egg on top with syrup, Malcolm also tried one like that but
for me just butter and maple syrup thanks. For tonight we are doing
meatballs with gravy, mash and peas. Care to join us for supper ?

In my previous blog I set out to share some insights into the life of
long distance sailors. The first thing that gets to you when you leave
Cape Town is how beautiful Table Mountain is. From all angles, in all
weather, all the time. Within you there is great sadness for family and
friends you are leaving behind. There is also the anticipation for what
is ahead of you. As the mountain grows smaller in the distance behind
you all these and many more emotions flood your being. There is a last
rush to say goodbye while you have cellphone reception, and once that
dissapears you know you are on your way. Your body now has to first grow
sealegs and grow accustomed to the continious motion. For some it is
just a little unsettledness, for others it is a longer and more
difficult process, and then there are those that just don't get over it.
No matter how much they love the ocean, for some reason they just can't
handle the motion. There are a lot of advice and medication in this
regard, but in the end it mostly just takes a little time. After the
second day things are beginning to feel normal and comfortable once
again.

Sleeping on a rocking bed is also a factor to take into consideration.
The boat moves this way and that way, you are exhausted and need some
sleep. Eventually you relax and fall asleep, your muscles constantly
counteracting the motion of the boat. You use muscles you normally never
even knew existed. You wake up physically tired, as if you had a long
work-out in the gym, not that I would know what that feels like. It also
takes a day or two for your muscles to get used to the new demands
placed on them. The fresh air always is good for a healthy appetite, and
we don't skimp on that part either. Once your body is into the swing of
things you can really start enjoying the experience in other ways that I
will elaborate on in future postings. It is imperative to maintain some
form of deliberate physical exercise on a bit. We don't get much
exercise whether walking or swimming or going to gym. We sit around for
months at end, pulling up sail here, lifting a water drum there, not much
by account. But not many of us actually do physical exercise and you pay
the price when you have to things that would be easier if you were fit.

Another factor is the time zones we sail through and the irregular
sleeping patterns we have to get used to. Our watches determine that we
go to sleep and wake up every day at different times. It is amazing what
one can achieve once you are out of your comfort zones and your regular
routines. So if you still think you like sailing good for you, the best
is yet to come. The body adapts, and once you are through the initial
discomfort, you are well on your way.

Hope you too are having an awesome time and making the most of your days
which are numbered. Till we meet again, go you exceedingly well.

Paul