a quieter night
Chaser 2
Yvonne Chapman
Mon 11 Dec 2006 12:18
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We're now on our countdown, starting our 3rd week.
Our position is 14.30.00N 51.44.00W
Last night we needed to get back into our sleep
routine, it's difficult anyway because weather dictates if two of us are needed
on deck. Last night we planned for Yvonne to sleep 20.00-23.00hrs and me the
next 3hrs Non the next etc, so we got 6 hrs sleep, well almost, we had a couple
of squalls appear. You can't see a lot in the darkness, so I leave the radar on
this area because these squalls which are just a cloud in the sky have a habit
of creeping up on you and biting your arse.
The radar can show them and we had a couple last
night heading straight for us, we altered course as much as possible with our
down wind rig and they slid along past. We just caught some squally wind but not
too much. If we'd have let it we would have got soaked and the winds can be
50kts inside. Its only for a brief period, maybe 10 mins, but it can catch you
unaware and blow out your sails or knock you over.
We've changed our clocks again now so we are 3
hrs behind UTC, something else that throws your sleep pattern.
Our new friend Mike on Macnoon needed sleep
yesterday he was up all night too coordinating the pick up. He did a grand job,
we were of no further help so we made for St Lucia while Macnoon waited for
HMS Lancaster to collect the patient, apparently the warship sent a boat over to
the Yacht and he was lowered in a straight jacket into their boat. Lancaster
took him aboard, there was thanks and gratitude all round. All sailing boats now
on route to St lucia. I believe Macnoon is approx 15 miles behind me.
Yesterday afternoon we came across and oil tanker
heading straight for us, I called him on VHF he could see me and we made the
appropriate course changes. I informed him there were 3 other sailboats 15 miles
behind me all having no sleep the past 48 hrs because of a SAR
Mayday and asked him to please keep a sharp lookout as I'm sure they won't
fully have their wits about them. The captain was pleased to here the MOB was
found alive and altered course to avoid our friends.
We haven't had a 'Sunday' dinner ie roast beef,
yorkshire pud for years, living in Spain we just don't do it, but can you
believe yesterday in the middle of the Atlantic, thats what we had.
Delishe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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