36.16:080N 047.02:93W
Tioram 4
Tina & Tony
Fri 21 May 2010 16:59
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Date 21 May Time 11:30 boat time
Hello from Tioram
A good day sailing wise on Tioram. The wind which
blew in yesterday has stayed moving a little more south so giving good sailing.
Yesterday afternoon we had a confused sea so it was difficult to point to the
Azores without slamming into the waves. Not good for the boat. However during
the night the wind eased the sea state became more regular and we were off. We
were passed by a couple of biggie ships in the night, one quite close but a call
on the VHF got a response with a clear Mumbai accent offering to move for us.
The next one although not close to us was 968ft long! Tina has spent the
last 3 hours on the wheel, Ipod plugged in and with a big grin which I assume
means she is enjoying the ride. Communication under such circumstances is by
hand signals which can leave much latitude for interpretation.
At 909 miles to go we are not quite within sniffing
distance. Lorenzo friends in another Sun Odyessy 54 are now 350 miles away from
Horta aout 4 days ahead of us. The next few days are a bit of a mixed bag
with some good winds and some on the nose. All looks doable though.
On the culinery front there is a lot to report.
James's playboy street cred is now totally shot as he assisted in the
preparation of the chilli and rice last night and also baked a chocolate
cake. Half of this was devoured last night with many compliments from a
grateful and slightly disbelieving crew! Tina has planned the meals for
the next 6 days and it looks as if we are in good shape resorting to cans in
only a couple of instances. Fishing was suspended as the crew seem to have got
bored already and there is some debate about who, if we catch one, will do the
deed.
However there was a compalint from "A" watch last
night when at midnight they were greeted by a cup of tea but also the washing up
from the previous watches secret binge with several dirty bowls, a
chocolate smeered saucepan and various cutlery. What the other watch was up
to can only be guessed at but to leave the evidence seems to indicate a
brazen attitude. Your correspondent also notes that no matter what boat he
sails on certain traits are revealed in the end. It is noted that whenever some
opens the milk there are two things that can be done with the end you cut off.
We have a crew member who can never seem to find the bin. Such minor idioms only
add to the lighthearted nature of the voyage.
Finally on the crew front, Malte has been put in
detention today for repeated late arrival on watch despite several calls. He
promises to do better today but has been threatened with the wet flannel
treatment by Tina.
Wildlife continues to be spectacular with more
dolphins this morning. Blue skies, blue sea and good wind find Tioram a happy
ship.
With James's efforts in the galley the Ula award is
a slam dunk today: James. But how is he ever going to live it
down..........
More anon.
Cheers from Tioram
Postscript from Tina................. Well there
are times on an Atlantic voyage when you would definately get off if you
could---- and thoughts of 'may not be playing this game again' come to
mind, however as I've mentioned before it seems that sailing has its highs
and lows. This morning between 9am and 12noon was a stunner with Tioram
blasting along at 8.2 knots in 20 knots of breeze a 55 degree wind angle, slight
choppy sea and the most gorgeous early sunlight on the water. I had the
luxury of helming, ipod blasting in my ears and the helm perectly balanced to
allow a bit of dancing thrown in. On a course of 105 creaming along spray
fizzing over the foredeck I said to John my watch partner who was siting under
the spay hood that I was having a great time----his reply was , 'But are we on
course for the Azores?', my reply was, 'Don't know !' Poor John shook
his head in despair---- a quick check of the chart plotter confrirmed---of
course we were on course---honest !!
A note to Trish, our Atlantic rowers Mom----James
seems to be achieving many firsts in his life, solo rowing the Atlantic
and now baking Choclate brownies and Chicken Tikka Masala----assisted of
course, but non the less impressive---therefore Trish we are shaming him to
insist his new skills continue on his return home. Sorry to ruin your
street cred James----choclate brownies ?????
Life on board is very good, great sailing , a kind
motion and everyone is getting enough rest and some great down time to read
books or just chill. It seemed that little Tioram didnt want to leave the
Caribbean and the wind direction has taken us about 500 miles out of our way,
Tioram clinging to the warm seas. Yesterday we probably saw our last 2 sea
turtles heading for the caribbean. Today Tioram seems to have decided to be in
full flight towards her Mediterranean home in sleepy Mazarron, the girl has
kicked her heels and is on her way.......................
Love to all
Tina x x
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