08:56.793S 139:35.856W - Land Ahoy!
Irene IV - World Adventure
Louis Goor
Sun 3 Apr 2022 02:57
It is always bittersweet approaching land after a long passage. This
passage, the longest any of us has ever been a part of, is no exception. We
are currently 40nm from our destination. The first tell-tale sign of land
ahoy is usually an increase in bird life. We have a few friendly Nazca
Boobies circling the boat, checking us out and hoping for some scraps. They
do not yet know how much Louis dislikes them poo'ing on the deck! A distant
small island, Fatu Huku, was spotted early this morning, with joy and some
disappointment. As Louis says, when on land you long to be at sea, when at
sea you look forward to being on land! It has been an easy passage from a
people point of view, we all get along well, there have been many laughs and
the crew has teamed together when there is work to be done. Everyone has had
moments of home sickness, but thankfully we have had periodic contact via
What's App - technology has its uses. I have very much enjoyed cooking for
such an appreciative bunch and have been rewarded with no night watch
duties. Louis has appreciated the multitalented crew - in depth discussions
with John, Enda and Rob on the finer details of all things sailing, sweating
with Rob and Enda over the water maker and engine, and partnering with Nick
on the twice daily Radio Net.
Yesterday was April Fools Day! Needless to say, much consideration was given
as to what trick to play on the Oyster fleet on the 09:00 radio net call. We
examined the political arena, the personal arena, the sailing arena, the
emotional arena - all abandoned in favour of the following.
"Good morning, Oyster World Rally Fleet! This is your fleet commander
speaking. I hope you are all well on this fine sunny morning. A few
housekeeping items to get out of the way first: I have received all your
orders for sim cards upon arrival, thank you; I have the count from each
vessel for the party on April 8th; and lastly, unfortunately, we have been
informed by Oyster support that, due to the continuing global supply chain
problems, fuel will be in short supply in Nuku Hiva for a week or so. It has
been relayed to us that there may only be 3,000l to share between all Oyster
yachts. Unfortunate news." We did worry a little as to the response that
might be elicited by this news, but we were all behind carrying the "lie"
through. On such a long passage, with lighter Trade Winds than we had hoped
for, fuel had been consumed in greater quantities than anticipated, most
boats were keeping careful track, with concern that some may actually run
dry before arrival. Harry on Irish Blessing caught us out right away. Since
radio coverage is becoming fainter, most did not hear his uncovering of our
ploy. By the evening, 18:00, radio net call, we became aware that Liberty,
had taken the news to heart and had powered down to conserve fuel! When
Alex, Liberty owner, heard the news of the trickery, his reaction was
unrepeatable! Oops! We have some repair work to do when we make landfall.
Yesterday was also my daughter, Heidi's, 22nd birthday! With an email
address of chocolate4heidi, it is pretty obvious what she loves to eat! In
her honour, I baked a chocolate chip cookie cake. The crew kindly obliged by
eating most of it in one sitting with great gusto! Happy Birthday Heidi!
The crowning moment of the day came when Nick landed a sleek 16kg blue fin
tuna! Louis was handed his boning knife and a lobbing tool, and the fish was
dispatched to fish heaven, cut into 4 generous filets, 6 smaller fillets and
head, bones and tail in the pot making stock, in two shakes of a tuna's
tail! A delicious tuna poke bowl was enjoyed for dinner. All in all, a very
rewarding day!