34.39:92N 053.16:010W
Tioram 4
Tina & Tony
Wed 19 May 2010 15:39
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Date 19 May Time 11:00am boat
time
Hello from Tioram
The good ship is still pointing at the Azores and
plodding on rather slowly. After the blog yesterday we had reasonably light
winds but managed to sail in the right direction until about 5:00 pm when the
wind died and went on the nose. This was as expected by our weather router and
announces that we have reached the middle of the high. Rather than wait for wind
we have started motoring slowly (at 4.2knots) to conserve fuel with some
new wind expected this afternoon which may last for the next 3 days. Then its up
to the way the high moves and whether we pick up a weather system from the west.
We are now 1200 miles from Horta and had our half way beer last night. T &
T's friends seem to be about 4 days ahead in slightly better
conditions.
We can't complain however as the sky is mostly
clear in the day and stars at night are wonderful. The moon is now up and waxing
so will soon be a great source of light. However the evening watches are
decidedly chilly and need full foulies to keep warm. These are supplemented by
several cups of something hot although through a provisioning mishap the Captain
seems to have forgotten the manadatory grog allowance for all crew on UK
registered ships. Unless reparations are forthcoming in Horta he may be reported
to the committee of the CSS. ( Cruelty to Sailors at Sea). Last night at
midnight we picked up a ship behind at about 14 miles on the AIS heading
straight for us. A radio call alerted him to our presence and he kindly moved as
he had not seen us. He then asked us if we were alright and did we need
anything. Given the time at night the captain was a little slow on the uptake
and replied "no were fine" leaving the crew to conjecture what delights may have
been bestowed on us had we been a little more demanding.
Although wildlife is not common out here we had two
schools of dolpins playing around the boat yesterday attracted, we think, by the
noise of the generator. In both cases they were a large school of smaller
specimens and were very playful leaping out of the water. We also saw a
couple of ocean going turtles swimming past. Tina spotted what she thought was
discarded plastic bottles only to find on closer inspection that they are jelly
fish with a sail that looks like a piece of plastic.
We have recently performed an inventory of food
supplies and find ourselves in good shape although rather depleted in the
goodies area. These are the treats that are put out each night to make the night
watches go faster. Tins was heard to comment that she had never run out of
treats before! How this depletion arose appears a mystery but being a happy and
contented crew we will cope. A bag has appeared hanging in the main saloon with
some spare treats with a message from the captainess of dire consequences if
there is any raiding of said items before a certain date. It would be a brave
man to risk it!
The main topic of conversation this morning appears
to be Malte's future career. At 22 and away from home for two years the subject
is clearly on his mind. The oldie foggies amongst us have suggested various
boring options but with his talents the options are endless. We
suspect boat designer would be a good option. He seems to have shunned
material wealth as his 4 most prized possessions on board are a repaired old
surf board, a rather old guitar (thankfully as yet not played), a secondhand
film camera and his trusty Ipod. As he has been in the warm for two years all
clothes except the "smalls" are borrowed from the rest of the
crew.
Even though the engine is thumping away everyone
seems to be getting lots of sleep and hence we are all well rested.
The Ula award is a tough one as not much has
happened. John's Tuna pasta bake was good but not exceptional and Tony's wise
counselling of Malte impressive. The committee is dwelling on the issue and will
anounce the result shortly.
Cheers from Tioram
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