A Very Busy Day 45:34.62N 15:37.01W
Ellatrout3
Sat 2 Jun 2012 12:41
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The 1st of June was a very busy day on the good
ship Ella Trout
My first entry into the log was at 0600hrs and
although it was grey there was a pleasant force 2 wind from the SE taking
me straight to the Azores. I say pleasant wind but they have not been the
warm winds you would expect in the forties; forties north that is, not the
Roaring Forties. I just managed getting breakfast (porridge!) before the wind
piped up 2 points which meant reducing sail. Taking a reef is not a difficult
task but it's strenuous. Shortly after I had to let it out
again. And so the day proceeded, I was for ever
reducing or increasing sail. At 1500hrs things seem to settle and I
thought to have a wee knap; no chance a squall came in and I had to take a reef
and roll up half the jib and so by evening I was ready for a meal.
The meal:
At this time I had two reefs but the fresh
wind was easing so I decided to let one reef out and not have to do it while
eating. This done I looked at my watch, it was 20 to six; I could be
eating by six. I had cold potatoes cooked yesterday, a packet of ham
opened, I could cook carrots & parsnip in the pressure cooker, (I like
carrots and parsnips mashed with butter and there would some for tomorrow) and
while they were cooking I could boil up a bit of cabbage. A strange
mixture I know.
Bear in mind that all the time the boat is leaning
at an angle of 20 to 30 degrees and bouncing up and down like a ping pong ball
on a fountain (did I mention we are beating to windward). It took me
10 minutes of my allowed 20 to get the ingredients from their various lockers. I
could still do it; no time to peel the carrots and parsnips, just chop them into
the pressure cooker they only need 4 minutes and while they're doing I'll boil
the cabbage. Pressure cooker hissing, cabbage in the pan ready to cook and a
blast of wind made Ella Trout round up with all sails flapping. I have to go and
sort it out. Back in the cabin the carrots and parsnip are done the cabbage not
started. Never mind the cabbage can cook while I mash the veg. Mashing
done I'm back on deck. Back in the cabin the cabbage is done to death just
like school cabbage! In the end I put all the lot in my 3 pint pot, there was no
way I could handle it on a plate. I looked at my watch and it was ten
to seven. Also, I forgot to mention,throughout all this it was pouring with
rain.
Finally; would you Adam and Eve it, at precisely
seven o clock (1900hrs I should say) the wind swung round and I had to go onto
starboard tack for the first time since leaving the Lizard. I had been on
port tack, against the wind, for 115 hours.
The antics of the day continued through the night
and I only got one hours sleep during the dark hours.
Windward sailing certainly keeps you busy, no
wonder the old boys went for the down wind sailing of the trade
winds.
Thanks for all your e-mails they make me smile and
would keep me from being lonely only I don't have time to be
lonely.
Get the grand children to write something and a
message from Rosinka school would be good.
I think I've reached The P.O.N.R?
Roger/Dad/Poppa
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