Night Owl news 10 Sept

Night Owl
Ed Hall
Sun 10 Sep 2006 20:21
The Owl and her crew have now been at sea for 24 hours on their way to Cascais. For 3 of the crew it is now day 10 on the boat, and life and time have taken on a new meaning. Days are based around 4 hour shifts, sleeping during the day, working during the night and vice versa. The sun comes up the sun goes down, the moon rises, it sets. The days merge in to one.

The weather gods have not been kind to the Owl. The wind, when there is some, comes from the South - exactly where the Owl wants to travel. Like the prime minister the wind has been fickle since we left La Corunia often shifting through 180 degrees but the fog has stayed with us. It dances on to the sea bringing with it lots of moisture and restricted vision. The horizon disappears and a Spiellberg eeriness surrounds the boat. By the end of the watch the crew look as if they have been dipped in icing sugar, such are the droplets on their clothes. We also hear leviathons steaming at 25 knots booming out their fog warnings to starboard and to port but we never see them and in keeping with the grey blurred sunset they simply fade away.

The sun has been conspicuous by its absence. The further South the Owl travels, the expected sunshine, fresh breeze and blue seas fail to materialise.

Jobs were carried out on the Owl today. 35 litres of diesel poured in to the tank to keep her going - this lively and purist sailing boat that has turned in to a gas guzzling gin palace.

Water was emptied from the bilges, the galley cleaned and the decks scrubbed.

Richard checked the engine to discover that the alternator fan belt was being shredded. The engine was turned off and a hasty fan belt repair made. For a while the crew enjoyed the solitude of sailing, but were exasperated at the slow speeds as the Owl ghosted along at about 3 knots.

At times when the fog allowed we were privileged to see pilot whales gracefully curving through the waves going about their business without a care in the world.

The evening sun gave the crew front row seats at a most spectacular show. 60-70 dolphins swimming alongside the Owl, jumping high out of the water, and frolicking in the wash from the yacht. The crew were mesmerised at these beautiful and spiritual creatures who raised the flagging spirits of all on board.

There are just under 200 miles to go to Cascais and at 6 knots an hour that's still a lot of sailing. Sadly some of the crew may need to leave the Owl in Portugal and will not make it to the Canaries. They're hoping for some wind in order to meet the deadlines for flights, but unfortunately it's not looking good.

Dinner beckons, as does a glass of red wine.

Goodnight from the Owl and her weary frustrated crew x