21:16.52N 25:40.83W Irene IV Seeks Easterly Trade Wind for 3 week relationship
Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Thu 11 Nov 2021 21:28
Thursday
Last night with furrowed brows, Stuart and Manuela pored over the weather
forecast at the nav desk. 1,000 nautical miles of zero wind ahead means we
must turn south to chase some breeze to push us along. We had spent the last
couple of days in decreasing wind speeds and struggling to make progress
past the clingy Cape Verde archipelago.
This morning, all hands were on deck to clean the outside of the boat.
Raymond found himself half-falling down the anchor locker, while hoping
nobody noticed. Ian concocted what have been suggested are the best scones
ever consumed this side of Cape Verde.
A collective post-clean post-scone satisfaction was threatened by
controversy - Stuart and Manuela horrified by marmalade mould removal
tactics deemed conventional by the Irish crew members, and predictable
fisticuffs in the Irish camp narrowly avoided regarding the pronunciation of
'scone'.
As the sun pierced the air and temperatures soared, the crew finished up a
round of deck and winch cleaning. Sarah's suggestion to go for a swim was
approved unanimously, and a trailing rope with a fender enabled all crew
members to take a dip.
However, high spirits were quickly jarred by Stuart's observation of a ream
of rope wrapped around the propellor. The pleasant dip transformed into a
quasi-military, anti-propeller-fouling mission by Irene IV's version of
James Bond, Scuba Man Stuart, replete in mask, helmet, goggles, and serrated
dagger in hand. A challenging but successful mission resulted, with a lot of
fishing line and half a canvas fertiliser bag removed from the prop.
No images available yet, but suffice to say that Stuart will be changing his
profile picture on all relevant social media at the earliest opportunity.
Watches have been progressing well - Sarah & Ian, Manu y Raimundo, and a
solitary Stuart rotating with some overlap, punctuated by Manuela's morning
fruit distribution and some aesthetically pleasing sunrises. La comida has
been excellent, with Sarah's chicken & broccoli bake and Manuela's salads
proving crowd favourites.
Now under engine, we drive south in warm, calm conditions. Some far-flying
birds mix with the throes of Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' as Sarah prepares
some mashed potatoes.
Flying fish have been observed on the port-side bow.
Emails from family and friends keenly consumed. Remembering 1918.
Hasta luego.
Current information:
- 2,065 Nm to Antigua
- Current SOG 5 knots
- Since this post was written, we are back under sail in Force 2-3 winds at
approx. 12 knots TWS