Half Way party
Graptolite's Sailing Log
Martyn Pickup & Heike Richter
Sat 8 Dec 2007 01:44
Crew reporting; When all watches were finally present after the frankly
tiresome night of squalls and lumpy sea, the sun shone once more and the sea
settled albeit slightly so that we could enjoy the 1/2 way party in the
cockpit. After several large hints to Skipper that the bottle in the fridge
labeled "Half Way Party" was indeed for that we finally got things under
way. Liz started with a traditional offering to Neptune, not the champagne
but a tin of lager. Next to the sound of Land of Hope and Glory came a
rousing speech from m'learned colleague Lori, all she was short of was her
Lawyer's wig and gown. Mid speech I raised the new journey ensign, the
speech reached its peak and there wasn't a dry seat in the boat. Rations
were embarrassingly luxurious with Smoked Salmon, a small Foie gras,
crackers and fresh bread. And of course, a bottle of Mumm.
The afternoon was filled with chores like battery charging, lead acid and
crew (Zzzzz). Dinner was had, then into the routine for night watches when
Liz spotted our closest possible ARC contact yet since day one! Approx 4
miles off we can see the stern lights of a yacht. Much excitement especially
if we can overtake it.
Apparently a large boat imaginatively named "AAG Big One", more used to
competing in Volvo 60 series and crewed by Russians was due to finish today.
But for our first day hiccup we'd have given them a run for their money!
Tomorrow will see the distance to go drop into three figures - currently
1100Nm -ish. Alas the bubbly budget doesn't stretch to another party yet,
maybe a tin of beer and four straws.
No fish today due to wave conditions but Skipper has prepared the latest
tackle to tame the beast below. We are not going to eat this one, just lasso
it and ride the bow wave to St Lucia, more later...