20:31.77N 23:53.69W
Gaudeo
John and Prue Quayle / John Quayle
Fri 23 Nov 2007 12:14
of easterly wind; 2 reefs in the main, full Yankee; and 0.2 knots of
favourable current. No more loafing around, reading and the like, but a day
of deck gymnastics: the large genoa(150%) was exchanged for Yankee and
staysail, initially on a reach, but in the afternoon when the wind veered,
the down wind, goosewinged "milk run" began - so called by world girdling
cynics for easy sailing.
With half his body protruding from the forehatch and jumping in "Pogo stick"
style, RB struggled for almost half an hour to squash the badly packed
genoa into a sail bin one third of the sail`s size. Witness of this
alternative form of morning exercise would have been sufficient to send the
men from Mars scuttling back to their space ships.
Regardless of the change in boat motion, offerings from the galley remain of
such high standard - last night was tortellini topped with bacon and courgettes cooked in garlic - that it has even been suggested that we should dress up
for dinner. My attempts incidentally, in this area continue to be rebuffed
but I am threatening to produce a stir-fry soon, though by then I expect the
choice of ingredients will be so limited that I shall have to resort to the
dreaded corn beef - I really should have taken part in the victualling.
Such is familiarity amongst the crew on their 7th day at sea that
communication becomes almost telepathic. For instance: I could sense RB`s
unstated disbelief that the genoa really had once been stowed in that sail
bin; also muted anxiety amongst the crew as I delayed taking the reefs was
almost palpable - Prue would have every sympathy for them and say "typical".
Blog readers may not have been introduced to the 5th member of the crew. She
is consistently loyal, works all hours, never answers back, and requires no
food nor wine. Now named "Gertie", the self steering wind vane servo system
(Wind Pilot) has been fantastic throughout on all points of sailing and in
all wind to the extent that there has been virtually no helming. However, I
am doubtful about the name as one crew member has an antisocial, interfering
and nagging car sat/ nav synthesised talker which he calls Gertie.
Latest from JL`s stellar observatory: "Canopus"; but "Venus" remains
everyone`s early morning favourite.
First flying fish today, but none boarded in spite of the impeccable state
of crew hygiene.
2200 miles to go - any takers for a sweepstake on time of arrival, proceeds
to worthwhile charity?