15:07N 28:34W Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.....
Tranquilizer
Sail Ionian
Tue 30 Nov 2010 19:44
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Last night saw the crew of the good ship
Tranquilizer euphoric with the arrival of some wind that we could actually use
for a change. The evening meal, ably created by Rich ,was a very tasty bangers
and mash with real onion gravy.Mmmmmm.Eaten whilst flying along at a good 6
knots the discussions,once again,turned to St Lucia.
The 2100 to 0000 watch ( Neil and Scott ) entrusted
the helm to Rich and Lee and went to their bunks. At 05.30 peace was ,once
again,restored to the boat as the wind dropped right off again so the
donkey engine was again brought into play
As the morning progressed it became clear that our
skipper,Rich, was not well and that yesterday's cold had turned into "man flu".
As we've not been in contact with anyone else for 8 days I 'm now
convinced that he did indeed kiss the dorado. (although it must be said that he
did get up and fix our watermaker before breakfast)
Today has been spent relaxing on the poop deck,well
cockpit anyway as we are well and truly becalmed and even watches have been
spent reading and occasionally looking for other boats which would also be
becalmed!. The temperature has been in the mid thirties all day and stories of
blizzards and ice at home have not served to cool us down any. Neil had some
light relief by volunteering to clean out the fridge and left it until the
optimum time, midday.
Now, our skipper being a fine upstanding gentleman
has come to the rescue once again and decided that the crew need a cooling off
period. At 1600 boat time the unruly fender was again thrown overboard on a long
line and the crew allowed to swim ( I know we're in 4,000 metres but I'm sure I
banged my head on the bottom). At one point Rich started the engine and those
clinging to the rope surfed behind. Delightedly we celebrated afterwards with
lemon tea and Madiera cake,
Tonight's delight of stew ( as we have to use up
some beef,potatoes and veg ) will be cooked by Neil and Scott.
Here's hoping that tomorrow bring us more
wind!
Neil
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