Day 10
Skye Blue sailing
Stephen and Malene
Mon 13 Nov 2023 07:27
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Hello our intrepid and faithful followers, we are still
drifting in the big blue ocean. We managed to cover 15 miles in the 24 hours up
to 1500 and as we approach the Hauraki gulf outside Auckland
are considering becoming challenger of record for the first
handicapped Americas Cup for the slowest boat. Steve has been sucking and
blowing every pipe on board to try and get diesel flowing into our engine but to
no avail and we have given up and will organise a tow into the marina, hopefully
tomorrow. The wind is forecast to pick up a little so our next worry is having
enough wind to maintain steerage as we approach land - Bream head and the
hen and chicken islands.
Life on board today was a little slower with the regular
clanging of the halyards and sails as the swell rocked the boat but the benefit
of not being able to switch on Bertie and motor on is that we have all enjoyed
the peace and tranquility of the Pacific with a 360 horizon of ocean and sky.
The stars were clearer than ever at night. Today we were throwing some scraps
overboard and have been followed by a flock of Westland petrels hungry for some
easy pickings. And a spectacular visitor came by this morning: a Royal
albatross! Made skipper's day - seeing an albatross on the water is a treat.
Then we had a pod of dolphins chasing and herding a shoal of fish came
close by and finally a Mum and baby whale circled the boat to check we were ok.
We have not been alone.
Fresh food is dwindling, we have switched to the last
water tank but the solar panels are maintaining enough power for the
instruments, the fridge and more importantly: Otto Helmer.
We hope to arrive late Tuesday afternoon, local time
(early morning UTC) and are looking forward to some cold beers.
Love
the crew on Skye Blue
xxx
34:29.1794S 174:56.5424E
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