Posn N19:51 W42:31

 

Dear Reader

 

This morning finds Patience emerging as if from the primeval swamp and the boat looks like an exploded Chinese laundry.  The reason for this metamorphis is due to a band of weather we have had to transit which not only produced some strong winds and associated swell but also a considerable amount of rain and lightening which lasted for around 6 hours.  We know that UK has been suffering under winter skies and so we should not complain but the rain was torrential and everything and everybody is thoroughly wet; at one point the gallant on watch crew had to relieve the pressure of water in the folds of the reefed main every 10 mins (if only we had a water catcher, Bob).  The combination of shipping spray and the rain meant that all hatches had to be shut for most of the day resulting in an atmosphere within the vessel not far removed from the Hot House at Kew, the sort of conditions that Mrs Basil would have enjoyed had she survived from Charlie’s culinary efforts that day.

 

And then at 4 in the morning, it was all over.  The wind went through 90 degrees and dropped to nothing, the first time in 9 days that we have had less than 20 kts of breeze.  Now we are sitting blinking at the  morning sun with a faint haze rising from everything hung out to dry.

 

I won’t bang on too much about our eating because it is a too common topic within blogs but I must say that Charlie’s efforts at the galley yesterday to produce Nigella’s rolled loin of pork with basil and serrano ham whilst standing at 45 degrees, hanging on with one hand and keeping everything off the deck deserves a mention.  If ever these celeb chefs want a real challenge they should try cooking for a crew at sea rather than Red Watch at the local fire station.  Picture to follow.

 

So we are all fit and well and are approaching the next milestone of 1000 miles to go.  A sweepstake is now being considered for our arrival time and the Owner has offered to treat us to a very special supper if we arrive by the 12th.  Start that engine!

 

Answer to the riddle set by WEB re Malcolm’s balls; it is about Malcolm’s birthday bash golf balls which Mike values so highly that he would rather slice and hook his own balls around the courses of the world than use them.

 

Todays homework question for you younger readers; why were all the mobile phones put in the oven last night?

 

AP