24:01.63N 20:00.15W 

 

Date: Thursday, 25 November [08:50 UTC]

 

Well, progress has been disappointingly slow for us. Wednesday was dead slow and stop as there was little or no wind to drive us in any direction other than to and fro – rolling like the proverbial barrel. [Thursday morning - the wind has returned from the west/north west and we are beating down towards the Cape Verdes steering 180 degrees true].

 

The Hydrovane self-steering gear hadn’t been behaving, so the crew physically removed it from the transom. We had contacted the manufacturers for their views and recommendations and we followed their response in detail. Having found a few misalignments and loose bolts we are happy that we have addressed a few of the issues, however there remain a few small ‘bugs’ that will require attention at St. Lucia.

 

Jimmy has been keeping himself busy and is fulfilling the role of scullery maid. Pants, shirts and other items of clothing are all under Jimmy’s control. >From the photo, you will enjoy seeing him wringing-out Dr Joe’s Calvin Klein’s!

 

Otherwise, all is well. Fruit and veg needs to be checked as some items of fruit have been found rotting already.

 

More emails of encouragement and entertainment required folks!

 

Kind regards from the Skipper and crew of Ocean Hobo.

 

PS. Could Colin Laird please send another email as your last email was inexplicably deleted!