Thursday 09/12/10
Midday position 14:16.7N 45:00.7W
Noon - noon run: 121 NM (yacht log - probably under-reading)
Plan +24 Hrs: continue on great circle route to St Lucia 927 NM
Tonight's blog responds to part of the masses of fan mail we have been
receiving recently...
Perhaps you could tell us how you pass the time when you are not on watch?
Sleep. The first hour is spent trying to wedge your body into the most
stable position possible. The second hour is spent convincing yourself that
all the creaking is in fact normal. The third hour is spent identifying new
sounds that were not approved in the previous hour. The fourth is spent
being woken up to by the on-watch to fix unacceptable noises. Then you're
back on watch.
How much time do you spend helming on one go?
Each watch lasts four hours, with two people in each watch (the watches are
Al/Al and Paul/Will. Ross 'floats' and can be called upon at any time).
Generally, we helm for one hour stints, each doing two in each watch.
Any minor disasters?
We lost two bottles of Worcestershire Sauce.
Some of the apples bruised.
Any successes?
Alex made a great home-made apple crumble with the bruised apples.
What was chartership results day like?
Chartership results came out on day 13. The day was very similar to the
twelve before it and five after it.
How often do you talk to other yachts on the radio and what do you talk
about?
An hour is spent each day chatting with about 18 other boats with our long
range HF Radio, known as the 'net'. The net has been a major sucess, and a
highlight of the day. We've had lots of quizzes and competitions relating
to boad speed. Each boat has been giving a profile of their crew. We've
got to know the other boats well, and have already got lots of parties
organised at the other end.
There are some yachts still in Cape Verde, have many yachts experienced
problems?
11 boats have retired so far, mainly due to the crossing taking too long due
to exceptionally low and high winds or general boat damage. Cape Verde
provides a good location for yachts to call into to make repairs or refuel
due to long periods motoring during calm weather.
In terms of problems, we have heard of a spreader breaking, a boom bending,
steering failure, and water getting into an engine.
What do you talk about to pass the time?!
1. When are we going to get there
2. The wind (and there either being too much or not enough or from the wrong
direction)
3. How stupidly hot it is
4. What's for dinner and pudding
5. The amazing stars
6. The ridiculous flying fish
7. What everyone on the net looks like
8. Can we see any other boats (followed by why haven't we seen any other
boats for five days then are we lost?).
How much chocolate have you eaten?!
Lots, mostly by Ross.
What are you looking forward to most when you get off at the other side?
Ross - Shower
Alex - Shower
Will - Shower
Alastair - Drinking a bottle of gin
Paul - Swim.
Any other suggestions/requests for future blogs welcomed.
Ross, Al, Al, Paul, Will
PS: we have continued today under tri-sail and furled genoa at 6 - 10 knots
in NE wind 15 - 28 knots and 3 - 4 metre confused swell which has prevented
use of boom or poles in case they go underwater (probably resulting in
serious damage to the rig).
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