13:57.000N 55:52

.000W 

 

Date: Monday, 13 December [14:30 UTC]

 

 

Facts and figures:

• Distance to go to St Lucia: 290 miles  (approx 2 days to run)
• Day’s run 10:30 – 10:30: 138 miles (latter part of day winds E F3 - F4)
• Depth: 4000 meters
• Closest land – Venezuela (South America): 394 miles
• Distance to Barbados: 207 miles
• Distance to Trinidad: 345
• Temperature: 30 degrees centigrade
• Relative humidity: 68%
• Ship’s time is now –4 hours UTC

We are now 290 miles away from St Lucia and we are still firmly in the grasp of the E-NE trade winds. Wind as forecasted, has lightened, but we are enjoying a steady E-NE breeze blowing at around F4 strength. We had to take down the down-wind sails this morning as the wind backed to the NE, so we are now close reaching with genoa, main, mizzen and mizzen staysail set.

 

The day started early for Skipper Ivan and Ship’s Engineer Charlie on watch at 04:00. A beautiful sunrise accompanied them whilst eating their morning cereals.

 

Being Monday, and traditionally, ‘wash-day’ on-board Ocean Hobo, Cabin Boy Jimmy was first off the mark to get his washing done and out on the guard rails before any of the remaining crew stirred. It can become very hectic in the queues for ‘sunny side’ rail position in addition to the scramble for clothes pegs. Quite a sight!

 

Skipper Ivan has been running ‘Sextant Training for Idiots’ this week and has had quite an uptake. Bosun Mike was first in-line this morning to carry out a morning sun-sight (photo attached). On completion of the sun-sight, lots of mathematical jiggery-pokery was conducted at the cabin table. Skipper Ivan was most impressed with his result!

 

Later in the morning, more ‘gannet’ type birds circled the yacht. According to the Ship’s Dr Joe, these were actually ‘Boobies’ and not gannets! At this point, the crew were getting very excited. (photo attached of Dr Joe keeping an eye out for the lessor-spotted St Lucian ‘Boobie’!)

 

Sunbathing and general relaxation has been a common theme today. Soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the broad-reaching point of sail has been something the full crew has appreciated today. No sign of any other yacht or ship today – just 360 degrees of clear horizon.

 

As the wind is blowing from the E-NE, we can not smell land just yet. No doubt, as we get closer, the aroma of spiced rum will prevail...

 

Kind regards from Skipper Ivan and the crew.