Blue Planet
Cerys
Mon 17 May 2010 13:21
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34:50N 39:40W
Wind SW 6-7
Speed 7.7kts
576 N. Miles to Horta
2200, going back on watch, all velcrod up in
heaviest weather gear, only hands and eyes protruding. We mistake eachother in
this gear. Raising my head over the companion way I see that Joey has taken, and
dealt with, the worst of it. I left him two hours ago in 5-6 metre steep
seas, force 7, Cerys, sliding sideways off waves. Under three reefs we
were running at 7.7 kts. Now, under a starry and lunar sky, seas are down
to 1 metre and we are doing 6 knots. I feel over dressed. The only sea I'm
getting is a docile ocean spray as two occasional waves collide to
windward. I am sure somebody somewhere is paying $150 in some day spa somewhere
for the same treatment.
He has even made me a mug of tea and we watch a
story book moon slip under the low hem of cloud.
Great run today at 7.5 knots, touching 8. We are
riding a depression which should last us 48 hours and will probably kick us out
into the Azores High, calm water and little breeze. Very rough seas in these
strong south westerlies. We will make about 160 miles today. Lost the cutlery
drawer coming off a wave. It smashed accross the saloon and now lives in my bunk
along with all the other homeless, damaged, and displaced items. Apart from the
cutlery drawer I now sleep with: 1 large model of the Cutty Sark; half a dozen
large books; a sail and 2 bags of potatoes.
Flanno has been doing some very unprofessional and
improvised photography. The camera has been cable-tied and duck taped onto a 6
foot boat hook which he dips into the spray at high speed hoping for a blue
planet effect.
Joey and I have been filming this great
cinematographer just waiting for the moment when the camera disappeares. It
hasn't so far. Tomorrow, however, is another day and tonight on my watch I have
filed partially through some of the cable ties.
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