Report from our correspondent onboard the luxury vessel "Christine"

Christine's Atlantic Circuit
Peter Lansdale
Mon 30 Apr 2018 15:41
 
 "Christine", is a very well appointed Southerly 42 as my estate agent would say. Owner's cabin ensuite at the back: that's the Skip and the Hostess With The Mostest domain. A huge double berth at the front with access to separate shower, my retreat, pure luxury. I can actually spread out starfish fashion or even sleep across it as I please. The light is fantastic and the view is usually a patch of blue sky. The "Pullman cabin", which Ian has commandeered has a Spartan feel to it which suit him and a good stock of fruits and vegs should he get peckish. The whole place is light and airy, blond wood throughout, light blue upholstery and acres of storage, which I have despite all my efforts not filled. My favorite is the saloon with fabulous views of the waves, just above sea level, all around. There out of the wind and sun and rain I spend my off watch time day dreaming or on occasion fast asleep.
Ian doing a bit of aerobic exercise at the helm. That's before we put the wind vane to work... Lynn is not so impressed with his antics!
As for the galley, it is a Chef's dream... we are all taking a turn at Mother Watch and every single meal so far has been stupendous! These are taken in the roomy cockpit, shaded from the sun and the cushions are always out. All the modcons; Unlimited water (thanks to the water maker) and electrics...looking forward to proper showers on board and underway! We even have electric winches!
48 hours and 300 miles in, we have all settled into our routine, I share my watch with Lynn which, surprise, surprise, amounts to 3 hours of solid blah, blah, blah. The boys are doing solo watches, so we have 6 hours off duty... Brilliant!
The first day and night was a bit frisky but not overly so, with 7 knots over the ground, the distances are shrinking rapidly. Lynn had very wisely prepared a huge lasagna, easy dinner.
Our first night watch was full of stars, a full moon and a weird ghost moonbow. The wind piped up and rain started just as we were ready to go off watch, perfect timing for training on putting a reef in, and back out again in less than half an hour when the wind died down again. The next training session was putting the asymmetric on. Only for half an hour as the wind was just not strong enough.
If the weather hold we will be there in no time!