Friday!!!
Nakesa
Thu 22 Nov 2012 19:20
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S25 14 E165 21
Greetings form His Royal Highness, the King of
Matthew
Boy how things change, yesterday was down as one of
my best sailing days ever, wind came in from the south and ended a perod of
light variable winds and sloppy seas. The sun came out and close hauled Nakesa
was making 7-8 knots in 10-12 knots of wind..doing what she does best, steady,
fast slightly heeled and in sparkling waves, what a day!!!!
This morning I am at the chart table hanging on for
dear life, the wind has increased to 25knots and the sea is rough and grey. What
is worse is that I am actually cold!! I had forgotten this sensation..I am
getting bounced around and the ships bell is ringing which is Aston's signal
(when he is aboard) to tell me to reef, I think it is good they stayed in
Fiji!
....okay back again, now down to under 50% sail
area and wind up to 25knots, 30knots apparent, it is a proper sail now, very
wet, computer just got drenched as a full green wave came over the boat and got
through the hatch........wild but MARVELLOUS.
As always after reefing the boat goes quiet and the
speed increases, however we never learn!!!
Good news is 899nm to Sydney and only 720 to Coffey
Harbour where I will probably check in to Australia. Could be Tuesday afternoon
at this rate.
Okay the down bits..well serious problem with the
coffee pot blowing it's head gasket which is not to be taken
lightly, as without it I may have to drink instant coffee..what did
Margaret Thatcher say 'successful people dont drink instant coffee'
well something likie that. I have fashioned some new washers out of cut up
rubber mat stuck togetherwith super glue, this better work!
Secondly a big disappointment. During the night
alone I have often been comforted by the gentle calls of some animal. For months
I have been trying to decide whether it is sea birds playing in the spume of the
bow wave or as I had hoped, dolphins riding our stern wave and gently talking to
a fellow seafarer on watch.......WRONG....last night I found that it is actually
the block from the running backstay rubbing against the guard rail..damn it, so
much for the romantic sailors life. My magical moment is caused by nothing more
poetic than chafe!! and now I need a new block ££££££
I have to say this part of the pacific is the most
lifeless water I have ever sailed in. So far this trip I have seen one flying
fish. One. Thats it!. Thirdly and lastly ..I HAVE RUN OUT OF RUM..and so
there is no way of toasting 'a willing foe and sea room' tonight..it
will have to be a virgin Tot (probably cold instant coffee), what a disgrace
aboard Matthew's royal flag ship.
Anyway, my dear friends and those who inhabit
level ground, I must now go and swing from the uphill side of the cabin to
attempt to make a pot noodle breakfast and try out the repaired coffee pot!
....but it is still beats sailing a raft (catamaran)!!!!!
Cheers
Graham, Lord High Admiral of the Navy of Royal
United Matthew (RUM)
Wishing you all alovely and
stable Friday
PS I am sure Margaret Thatcher didn't say anything
like that and anyway..who cares!!
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