Away At Last

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Thu 26 Nov 2009 17:31
Position: 13 10.0 S 038 35.0 W
Course: South. Speed: 4..5 knots
Wind: East; F4 - moderate breeze
Weather: Partly cloudy, very warm


We are once more underway at long last. I had a leisurely start to the day,
with only a few minor things to do before we could throw off the dock lines
and head out to sea At 9.45 a.m. we had motored clear of the harbour and
had all plain sail set. It took us a short while to clear the headland,
Punta de San Antonio, beyond which the wind quickly freshened such that a
reef in the mainsail seemed prudent. Despite the repairs the mainsail is
obviously living on borrowed time, I shall be watching it closely of course
but suspect that some where down the track a squall is going to have the
mainsail's name on it and there isn't going to be much I can do about it.

Now that we are a bit further offshore the wind has eased a little, I have
shaken out the reef and we are beam reaching at a very comfortable four to
five knows. Salvador has dipped below the horizon astern and once more we
are surrounded by nought but the blue shining sea. All going well, next stop Uruguay.
Time to swing the sextant.

All is well.

Bob Cat:

This little chart table area really has proven to be quite a find,
particularly when we are leaning over to starboard. (I have vague
recollections of leaning the other way but that seems a a long, long time
ago now.) While lacking in any padding this lovely nook provides the
discerning feline with a comfortable secure feeling; some books to lean
against, pleasant varnished timber panels on two of the other sides adding
to the ambience, with the fourth and uphill side open and close to the
companionway allowing a refreshing cool breeze to gently caress one's coat.
And while some might see the skipper's occasional need to use this area for
some inscrutable activity that only humans are capable of as rude intrusions
to one's rest, the true feline nature understands these moments are in fact
an added bonus providing the joy of knowing that while enjoying a
comfortable peaceful cool snooze we are at the same time being a bit of a
nuisance to our companion human. Yes, for these warm reaching conditions,
the chart table has it all. In a word . . . Zzzzzzzz.