Hello once again

 

As of yesterday evening, the wind was coming from the southwest (where we want to go) so we were having to head east in order to get south. As evening progressed the wind dropped so that we were becalmed.

 

We needed to run the engine to charge the batteries anyway, so we decided to use the propulsion as well to get west. As we engaged the prop though, there was an unpleasant banging sound and large vibrations coming from the drive train so we were forced to disengage the engine and run it in neutral for the charging only. At night, when looking over the back of the boat, we noticed a large cloud of bioluminescence trailing behind the boat. We assumed therefore that there was something wrapped round the propeller.

 

As night progressed the wind dropped until we were completely becalmed. As we couldn’t get anywhere we decided to get in a few extra hours of much needed sleep. having woken up at around 11am, and given that the sea was so calm, we decided to investigate the propeller. I therefore was tied to the boat and jumped into the sea and dove under the boat to see what the problem was – very glad that I’d brought my mask and snorkel. Roger will remember just how handy a very sharp knife is in a situation like that. There was indeed a length of rope wrapped around the propeller, so I cut that free and then, as I was wet already, had my first proper wash so far  (: 

 

Fortunately the wind picked up shortly after that, although coming from the west where we want to go, so we are now running close hauled heading south-southwest in blue sky.

 

Hamsi

 

51:15.04N 24:53.68W