Saturday 17th July (Lini’s Journal)

Brindabella's Web Diary
Simon Williams
Sun 25 Jul 2010 23:34
Noon position 45° 39’.7 N 18° 31’.2 W
Although the passing weather system was not half as windy as we
expected, it brought with it heavy drizzle from the stern which our
fab sprayhood cannot protect us from. I spent much of the dawn watch
down below making myself useful wedging socks between bottles which
had shaken around when we changed tack. Every quarter of an hour I
poked my head up for a scan around the horizon being a little more
careful after Dick told us of a tanker that they had to avoid this
week which was not showing on AIS.
The drizzle continued through the day and we ventured up on deck
only when necessary. In the cosy saloon I caught up with my writing
and drew a torch in my sketchbook! Si was in fantasy land listening to
‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ on his iPod. We both slept for
large parts of the day which can only be beneficial with us both under
par.
The bad news today – We have lost a wager with ‘Aliesha’ who today
caught a 15lb tuna; so the drinks are on us when they return to
Hampshire after a last detour to Brittany. Lini hasn’t even
contemplated getting the fishing gear out yet. The good news however –
We think by tomorrow we will be able to pick up our much loved Radio 4
on long wave and although the day remained mainly grey, the winds
stayed a good strength and direction, and we are making slow but sure
progress on a direct course for Falmouth. If we hadn’t been so
lethargic and made the effort to hoist the mainsail our speed would
have improved: We just couldn’t be asked!
A glimmer of blue appeared by supper time and when I was ready for
bed at 7pm and went to collect my kiss, skipper even had his thermals
off and was basking in the sun!!!