Day 8 on Thursday 26th November
Shelena
Phil Scourfield
Thu 26 Nov 2015 20:25
26th November
The routine is now to the point that thoughts of finishing become more
discussed; especially from Helen. The roll of Shelena in the aft cabin is
considerable, pushed by the swell from the starboard quarter meaning that
falling asleep, even when tired is hard. "Why do we this" she asks? Well
that's an easy question that deserves a direct answer. "Because we like to"
I say in innocence. "We did not like to do this for days on end. I want an
anchorage and land on which to tread". This is becoming a tricky
conversation. "Who wants a cup of tea?" I say. "Plus a chocolate bar!"
Chafe continues to dog us. The endless rubbing of line against pole. We have
now got this routine down to an art. Activities allocated. Dave releasing
aft guy, Petri ready od deck to receive the pole that swings forward on the
pull of the forward guy. The pole is winched down to reach the genoa sheet
to untie the eaten sheet, cut it, bind it and rethread. We also stich hose
pipe protection but this is not doing a great job. All in a day on Shelena
in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
Where are we? Well about 182 Nm further west than at the same time
yesterday. Not the best 24hours in pace. In the end it is all about what
wind is delivered to our canvass. I have decided I like squalls very much.
The wind increases to about 28-30 knots and that's when we really fly at 9
to 10 knots. As always, there is a price to pay. With squalls comes rain. As
they say, everything comes at a price!
All is well on Shelena.
Phil