42:00.3N 024:57.3W Midday (BST) Fix 6 June 2010 Three Men In A Boat (oh and a boy!)
Oboe D'Amore's Web Diary
Nigel Backwith
Sun 6 Jun 2010 12:09
2010
View our progress on Google Earth at: http://blog.mailasail.com/oboe
GPS Position: 42:00.3N 024:57.3W
Sea Miles (previous 24 Hours): 162nMs
Sea Miles to date: 3,428nMs
Present Course Over Ground: 063°M
Present Boat Speed 7.8kts
Average Boat Speed (previous 24 hours): 6.8kts
Average Boat Speed to date: 6.4kts
Estimated GPS Position in 24 hours time: 43°:52'N 021°:57'W
Sea State: Moderate
Wind Speed and Direction: 20kts SW
Barometric Pressure: 1014mB
Maggie always planned to leave us in Horta. Being self-employed, she knew
that staying the whole way was not practical. We have learned that she
arrived home safely, so a belated farewell Maggie. Things are certainly
different without you. We miss that ever willing pair of hands, whether
trimming the sails, working on the foredeck or indeed simply sweeping the
saloon floor - and as for your improvised apple crumble! Oft talked about
but never repeated. When there was work to be done you were always there at
the head of the queue. However, the sight of you doing vigorous exercise on
the aft deck will never fade, putting us all to shame as we tuck into our
Sunday bacon and egg breakfast sandwich. Thanks for being a great part of
the team Maggie.
We plough on, making excellent progress, with following winds and seas
expected to last another couple of days. These conditions suit us, long may
they last, as we are short-handed and of necessity down to one person
watches, which can mean a lot of hard work in heavier weather, especially at
night.
But for sure, a calm atmosphere has descended on Oboe. It's too early for
the excitement of our impending arrival in Dartmouth to take hold, so as
"old hands" at this ocean sailing lark, we now just get on with things and
few words need to be spoken. A language of nods and grunts has taken the
place of specific questions and answers. Sails are trimmed effortlessly,
reefs requiring 2-3 crew happen as if all are joined at the hip. We are
somewhat hypnotised by the soothing roll and yaw of the waves. No one falls
over any more, we simply sway a little, shimmy round obstacles and magically
deliver 2 hot cups of coffee at a time up the companionway steps to eager
hands above. As skipper, this confidence and competence takes a load off my
shoulders and for this I'm mighty grateful.
Lunch anyone? ...
Nigel
Date: 6 June 2010