32:23.64S 016:01.34E
ratCATcher
Andre and Alison Stroebel
Sun 16 Jan 2011 08:17
Night one at sea has passed uneventfully following the exciting start of
yesterday. As we motored out of the yacht basin into the harbour area the
boat was surrounded by dolphin; a blessing from the seas.
The rules stipulate that from 10 mins before the start to 2 hours after, no
engines are allowed. Not a problem normally, except for over-zealous
spectators who were keen to see the start by sitting right on the start
line. Once one has no engines your steerage is seriously hampered and there
was one poor old Oom who insisted one sitting right in the way of the run-up
to the start. The two minutes to start cannon was fired and as we screamed
(literally and figuratively) up to the start he was putting along right in
our way. Screams and the boat horn to get him to move didn't help and put
him in a state of helpless confusion, he tried to turn out of our way and
turned into someone else's so he turned again and set himself on a collision
course with our port side. One of his passengers and Alison had to jump to
fend him off. The poor old guy has never heard such language from anyone
never mind a woman! J oops heat of the moment.
The wind was mild to say the least and making our way to the buoy off of
Greenpoint lighthouse took some time. The wind finally picked up to a steady
16 - 18 knots gusting 22 knots and we were off.
The seas were running a long swell of 3 - 5 meters so the night ride was
pretty comfortable
The sun rose with Andre on watch to a beautiful day. The sea swells have
increased to 5 - 7 meters and shortened a little so we have some slamming
under the saloon making everything jump including us. I am typing with the
computer on my lap to stop the hard drive protection engaging every time we
bounce.
Rob and Kevin are in the cockpit doing their normal non-stop chirps and
André is making breakfast.
Our first breakfast at sea is Bully-beef fried in with onion and egg in a
wrap. Nyummy.
Love to all.
Rat CATcher crew!
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