Another World

Escapada
Andreas Haas
Mon 7 Dec 2009 22:47
14.20.60N   054.45.99W
 
Yesterday, as we were sitting in the cockpit, we had an interesting discussion about how different life on ESCAPADA really is - in fact, it is another world!
 
For example, the whole concept of money here is absent. We have not seen or used money in the last 2 weeks at all. This is very unusual compared to the other world
where money is a continuous object of attention. Out here on the Atlantic there are no flies, mosquitoes, ants, bugs or any other living creatures except us 4 boys 
(and any fish we catch or the flying fish which simply fly onto the deck). There is no illness, no anger, no hatred, no frustration, no TV, no radio, no news, no traffic jams
and no going to the office. Instead, we have lived outdoors for already three weeks in the fresh air, go to work barefoot in shorts and a t-shirt (sometime without them),
eat healthy, drink 3 liters of water daily and live in the natural rhythm of sunrise and sunset. The best reward we get from Captain Flagpole after a hard day's sailing, is a delicious dinner accompanied by a cold beer or fine glass of wine! The only thing missing for this to be total paradise would be to have our women here with us...
 
Multi-tasking is a skill quickly acquired on ESCAPADA. Our world is the only place where you have to walk zig-zag to keep a straight line, wash dishes with one hand,
hold on to a rail with the other and pump the salt water faucet with your left foot while standing on your right. Sleeping also takes some skill. Depending which way the
boat is heeling or rocking (and it is always rocking), you determine how to lock yourself into in niche to avoid being thrown from side to side. As the long Atlantic swell
hits the yacht continuously, she lunges constantly from one side to the other. At these time you wonder "who's driving the boat"? Sleep comes in short intervals
between the watches, running the engine to charge the batteries and the constant rocking.  And when you are finally rocked to slumber, you sleep like a baby.
Eating is an equally creative process. In our world, you need to be very careful that whatever you have on your spoon or fork does not fly away with the wind between the
plate and your mouth, Keeping an eye on this while holding the plate with the other hand and balancing in your seat after a smashing wave makes for a great appetite. 
Apples have proven to be a simply and effective solution to the challenging conditions. Either plain or in fruit salad, they make up a standard ration in our diet. 
 
We are now just 330 miles from St. Lucia. Directly on course at over 7 knots, we anticipate to arrive late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, Regardless of when we
arrive, the ARC "Welcoming Committee" promises to have our well deserved Rum Punches cold and ready!! 
 
In the meantime, we continue to work on our tan, grow our beards, try to walk a straight line and enjoy the final days of our passage across the Atlantic.