Contact with Herb
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24:42.3N 61:30.8W
After a lovely sunset the night was quiet with very
light airs though at least we were sailing. We heard porpoises surfacing and
blowing although had no sightings. A spectacular meteor crossed the
southern sky leaving its trail visible for several
seconds. We’ve had a relatively relaxing day, with more
maintenance and cleaning to take advantage of the quiet conditions. Paddy is
preparing the fishing gear but has asked me to advise our readers that they
should not expect early results. Needless to say, all other crew members have
maintained a steady stream of enquiries about the likely timing, nature and size
of his first catch; the gaff has been rigged – or whatever one does to gaffs;
the dinner menu has been entirely revised; the knives have been sharpened; and
fridge space has been reserved. Stop press – the start of the fishing season has been
delayed by two hours: Paddy found the reel not fully to his liking and with
characteristic thoroughness is now rebuilding it from scratch with some
ingenious modifications of his own design. At 15:30 Neroli time (19:30 UTC) Allan went back on the
SSB (see yesterday’s blog). We connected with Herb Hilgenberg along with about
15 other boats and when our turn came we received highly specific forecasting
and guidance with a strong, clear radio signal. In brief, Herb advised us that a
frontal system is approaching and will catch up with us around midnight. It will
bring stronger winds - up to 25 knots gusting perhaps to 30. We’ll be
prepared with staysail and a reefed main and should enjoy some excellent sailing
and great progress through the night and into tomorrow. The major decision to be
made in the next few days – and we will have Herb’s guidance on this – will be
when to begin heading east. For weather and sailing aficionados, Herb’s website is at http://www3.sympatico.ca/hehilgen/vax498.htm |
