Grand Finale

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Mon 10 Jun 2013 12:00
What a Grand Finale – Not Really Expected
 
 
 
 
Day Twenty Two: Monday the 10th of June
Midday Position: 22:49.06 South and 133:40.02 West.
Miles Covered: 88
 
 
BB Last to Gambier 018
 
 
I jumped up to offer the skipper, as always, three choices for lunch. He chose tuna steak, French beans and of course a big dollop of mash please – so glad I would have my usual Frosties, as facing that lot when it seems you’ve just got up feels wrong in so many ways.
We put the fishing line out with a plan, that if we caught, we would share our catch with any boats in the anchorage when we got settled. Many sea birds came to investigate the lure and something very big and nasty got hold of the hook, it took both of us to steady the reel and we were not too bothered when the beast from the deep got free. End of fishing experience on this journey. Line wound in, we found the hook almost straight, really glad we didn’t have to fight the culprit that did that in the cockpit.
 
 
BB Last to Gambier 022  BB Last to Gambier 023
 
After the fishing palaver, skipper checked on the towing generator, yet again doing the sterling job it did crossing the Pond. Not so certain about the new garden on the swim ladder. In the sunshine the sea takes on a magnificent shade of blue.
 
 
BB Last to Gambier 025
 
Mixed skies and winds growing in strength.
 
 
In the afternoon we took the business of tacking seriously for the first time - like real sailors - until we realised it could take us weeks to get in. RighteeOoo, engine on.
At dusk (or as usual my watch), which in my sailing history has been the duty when if anything odd happens to wind, sea or Beez, it is now. I’m suddenly careening along at 7.4 knots in 33-38 knots of wind. Now I’m working out that we will arrive in the dark before dawn...........Mmmmmmm.
 
 
BB Last to Gambier 001  BB Last to Gambier 002  BB Last to Gambier 004
 
My gently snoring skipper unaware of all the sums being done by the first mate.
 
 
BB Last to Gambier 091
 
Oooops. Our Ensign has suddenly felt the battering of heavy winds. Maybe somewhat shorter after repairs.
 
 
BB Last to Gambier 036  BB Last to Gambier 037
 
Bear puts the conservatory up for the hundredth time, more rain.
 
 
BB Last to Gambier 032
 
Gave us a nice rainbow, though.
 
 
BB Last to Gambier 006  BB Last to Gambier 011
 
BB Last to Gambier 045
 
Our last sunset on this voyage (hopefully) was lovely
 
 
At ten or my bedtime, we decide to keep going as we are and I will motor very slowly when I come on at two. Great I get to lower my personal averages, yeah but you’re good at it. Steady....... Bear continues the ‘screaming along speed’ during his ten till two and overshoots the islands to give me eight miles at two knots - to give you something to do and aim for....... and to allow him his full sleep time. I come on knowing I have to bimble. Genoa in. Engine on. Rough seas. Big winds. Huge fun.......
 
 
BB Last to Gambier 052
 
This picture shows my lack of progress. Crazy currents and motoring in to winds of up to thirty six knots proved lumpy and tiresome for the autopilot which kept up a steady bleeping. There was I now stuck into my audiobook called Brethren, the Knights Templar have just lost the Grail and the party accompanying the Crown Jewels have just been attacked. Mmmm. The one knot of speed with eight miles to do was frustrating but I was a patient sort and battled on. As the skipper appeared at six I was proud to announce in the very first peak of dawn, “Sand and Shale” no just messing - “Land Ahoy” YEEeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
 
 
BB Last to Gambier 054.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL ARE WE THERE YET ???
                     NEARLY BUT NOT QUITE