29 13N 52 47W
Osprey
John Bowering
Tue 26 May 2009 21:24
the resultant angle of heel. The winds were light and variable during the
middle of the night and then increased to force three around 0330. Winds are
now from the ENE and we are bowling along on the port tack at a steady 6.5
knots and heading almost diretcly for the Azores. That of course won't last
and there will be a few zig zags in the course yet to come angle Charles
cooked some more bread today - a minor miracle with the galley at a 45
degree angle and we all enjoyed sitting in the cockpit eating fresh bread,
cheese and salami at lunchtime. Kuki is not enjoying but adapting quickly to
our new angle of heel and we are hoping that we will find the southerly
winds around the Azores high reasonably early as that will keep us upright
and provide a reasonable rate of advance. With the current odd ball weather
nothing is certain. It also looks as though the UK is gpoing to recieve some
severe gales over the next few days with a procession of nasty systems
heading their way.
Notes from a Small Boat at an Angle" - it is with much rejoicing that the motley crew of SY Osprey can report that with the onset of the wind CMB has lost his crankiness and is back to his meditative self.
This was amply demonstrated this morning, when Charles was gallantly sorting the galley after the night watches, a not insignificant challenge at 45 degrees. Anyway, on asking Bwana John whether he would like some Frosties, the reply issued forth from his throne at the chart table was "I fancied something hot, like a bacon sandwich." The kitchen boy duly got to work, frying at that angle is an experience but when the suggestion of an egg was added Charles stood his ground, or should I say, leaned at a precarious angle. The bacon butty was duly despatched to Bwana, who was sated.
The only other occurence of note on Osprey today was the fortification of the saloon berth by the Commander of the Middle Kingdom (Charles). This was in case of pirates, and now allows a perfect redoubt for the repelling of boarders. In truth this was an attempt by Charles, at Budda's suggestion, to use one of the mattresses from the for'd cabin to lay across the saloon table and thus prevent Charles ending up bent around the table whilst sleeping - not a particularly pleasent way to pass th night.
The progress today has pleased all on board, and in recognition of our good fortune SC Ted has moved to the curtain rail at the front of the Pilothouse.
From here his is surveying his kingdom, and is well satisfied.So with hopes for a good nights sailing, the motley crew of SY Osprey is eating Rotis for dinner in the cockpit, whilst watching another beautiful sunset....