Thursday 10th September (Lini’s Journal)

Brindabella's Web Diary
Simon Williams
Fri 18 Sep 2009 21:36


�� It was a rather rolly watch, however what a beautiful night. A big bright moon had risen and the skies were clear revealing zillions of twinkling stars. I wasn�t so worried about nodding off on watch on this trip as Si bought a Watch Commander, a useful little device which sets off an alarm if you don�t hit the button on top within a set time. I was most impressed however with the new AIS which picks up all the shipping and displays their position as a triangle on the chartplotter. By clicking on the triangle you can access the boats info including course, speed, what and when the nearest point of contact would be and what the crew are having for breakfast. (Only joking!) The ship�s MMSI number is also another essential piece of info if you�re on a collision course as you can just �ring them� and tell them to change course. We were grateful to have the info of a 735ft cargo vessel which showed no signs of diverting until quite close.

�� We gybed the headsail after a scrummy breakfast of strawberries, blueberries and yoghurt, followed by hot maple and pecan pastries that I�d bought for our first coffee break en-route to Spain. Although I had everything crossed for calmer conditions a gale warning was broadcast. The winds picked up and the seas became huge. The autohelm was losing steerage as we surfed down the waves and our course through the water varied 90�. It then decided to take an authorised teabreak. Si leapt onto the helm and struggled to stay on course and I prayed it was only a temporary glitch; however would I be strong enough to helm? The arrival of our first dolphins lightened our hearts. They followed alongside and danced in the bow waves. J We ate ham, rocket and mustard mayo sandwiches while they entertained.

�� We took turns to try and catch up on sleep through the day which was getting easier as we�re both shattered and my socks are now wedging things tighter in cupboards to stop the crashing noises.

�� As the sun lowered we had some houmous and crackers. I then cooked Thai chicken, jacket potatoes and runner beans, sealed it in our lock �n� lock containers and threw them up on deck. We dined strapped tightly to Brindabella in a gale with a cabaret of synchronised swimming from dolphins and porpoises. Ah yes! I remember why I�m doing this!

�� I retired to my sea berth watching stars shooting off one side of the hatch, then the other as we rolled around. I hoped things would calm before my watch��..They didn�t. At 11.30pm as I pilled on my clothes the wind reading was F8/9 L�� ---Lini---