N22:17.8 W30:15.2

Dear Reader

 

Finally the weather gods have been kind to us. The good winds continue at 25+kts but with much clearer, blue skies. The day started well with an urban myth being laid to rest; as those in the bunks awoke from their slumbers and looked out to the cockpit they were welcomed by a silhouette of Malcolm bending over whilst, over the odd curve of his derriere, the sun made an appearance. Proving, as he has been telling us for some time, exactly where the sun shines from.

 

Touching lots of wood Patience has fared well for the last 24 hours with no new rips, chaffs or electrical niggles. This is good news for all resulting in fewer fix it jobs and in particular for the Owner who is less regularly subjected to the mantra ‘this wouldn’t happen on an Oyster’. No time for complacency though as I fear this emotion will continue to simmer just under the surface. While there are fewer necessary jobs, much as with government policy, jobs are created. A good case in point was last night’s chef who showed his grandfatherly craft skills by making papier mache paste from a bag of humble rice. This odd and glutinous mixture was then spread around the hob providing an appropriately complex cleaning task for the work experience boy (WEB).

 

Evening entertainment is heating up with last nights game of ‘hunt the chorizo’. Whilst sounding much like the dirty movie the sea dogs rented in Las Palmas before WEB arrived is does have a more culinary bent. The good news is that there was no winner leading to great anticipation of tonight's entertainment – ‘hunt the chorizo part – II’.

 

In the first sharing in what has become a daily ritual... things about last time’s crossing that made it better....

 

1. the sun shone

2. the seas were calm

3. the autopilot worked

 

WEB is very grateful to all of the seadogs for these frequent reminders but it should be noted there is real potential for responding with a ‘trip missold’ claim. We shall have to wait and see.

 

Finally, to leave readers with a riddle to which responses are welcome:

 

- why does Mike value Malcolm’s balls more greatly than Malcolm does himself?

 

Regards

WEB