08:33.468S 126:43.664W - Asymmetry and Night-time Perambulations
Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Tue 29 Mar 2022 01:02
After a lazy Saturday, Rob decided that Sunday was the day for the
Asymmetric! An Asymmetric Spinnaker is a sail designed for downwind (wind
more or less behind you) sailing. Sizable and often colourful traditional
and asymmetric spinnakers add significantly to the sail area on a boat,
providing a considerable amount of extra power. We are in the ideal
conditions for spinnaker flying - a downwind course, with south, south
easterly winds, and wind speeds decreasing. Not to mention, Black Lion is
gaining on us! Spinnaker flying is like baking a soufflé, one is often
nervous to get started, but once the decision is made to go ahead, as long
as protocols are followed, the doing is surprisingly easy. Each crew member
was carefully coached by Rob, so there were no ambiguities. The black and
white stripped beast was unleashed from her chute, and she flew like a
dream. Our boat speed increased by almost 2 knots, see you later Black Lion!
We appreciated the improved stability of the boat and the spectacle merited
multiple photos.
With wind speeds continuing to decrease, we heard from other boats that they
were switching their dreaded engines on. On a long passage like this
(3,300nm), fuel and water must be conserved. We do have extra bottled water
onboard, but no extra diesel. Irene IV has a 1,940-liter diesel capacity,
which sounds considerable, but in reality, only allows us to motor for 4 - 6
days, when you consider that we need fuel for running the generator. We
needed to motor sail at the outset of the passage to get through the
Doldrums, but had hoped that the Trade Winds would push us through until
arrival in Nuku Hiva, with a little extra fuel to race to the finish line if
needed! Oops I forgot; this is not a race!
A loud bang at 01:00 ruined all dreams of getting to Nuku Hiva early! The
wind died below our self-imposed 5-knot limit, and the boom let us know with
a jolt and associated snap from the mainsail. All crew were awakened. The
engine was powered up and within minutes it was overheating and smelling
like burning rubber. It was hurriedly switched off, to the accompaniment of
Captain Haddock style oaths – ‘billions of blistering barnacles’, ‘miserable
molecules of mildew’. Rob exchanged the impeller, Louis and Enda cleaned out
the filter, prayers were said, and the motor was ignited again. This time we
were given a few moments of optimism before the overheating alarm sounded
and all hopes were dashed. The manual was consulted and after much
discussion and goofiness, it was decided to dispatch all except, John and
Enda, to their bunks for a couple of hours rest, before tackling the problem
anew.
To add to our, got out of the wrong side of the bed, problems, the water
maker has handed in her resignation letter! All hands have been instructed
to conserve water, plastic (ugh) water bottles have been collected from the
sail locker and all showers are suspended. Thankfully, we live in a well
aerated environment, so smells are kept at a minimum!
On the fish catching front, Nick caught a crab in the sea strainer, so the
pressure is off to catch a fish and save face!
Today will be a problem-solving day! Rob, Enda, and Louis, our resident
mechanical nerds, will come up trumps, I am sure. In the meantime, we are
not burning any fossil fuels and ruining the pristine local environment.