35 50N 41 37W
Osprey
John Bowering
Tue 2 Jun 2009 19:50
"Notes from a Small Boat that is Sailing" - well, there was no rest for Charles this morning as soon as the wind was favourable he was rousted from his bunk to help John hoist "Big Blue". Since then it has been a day of activity, well I should say Budda insisted he had to stay in the cockpit to ensure Big Blue" remained flying whilst Kuki cooked breakfast and sorted out the laundry. Charles in the meantime was hoovering down below and cleaning the for'd head/shower - an incredibly enjoyable experience requiring the use of forceps to clear all the hair from the shower drain!
Since then there have been several sail changes, and thankfully a full days sailing at an average of around 5.5 knots but up to 7.2. The most interesting period was in the morning whilst "Big Blue" was flying and the wind starting gusting up to 15 knots and beyond, reaching 18 knots. Now the normal envelope for "Big Blue" is 8-15 knots, so it was a case of "do feel lucky, well do you" as the boys remained poised in the cockpit for a quick dowsing - they remained calm flying it until the wind was staying above 17 knots and reaching 18 knots, then deciding that they had had enough adrenaline so down she came.
Budda, still claiming he had to keep an eye on "Big Blue" decreed Charles should man the HF Radio - this seemed a little bit of an excuse as 5 mintues before Budda had been in meditative state i.e. inspecting the inside of his eyelids for cracks. Anyway, Osprey made contact with the other 6 plus yachts who all call in to Altair at 1200 GMT. Come 1700 GMT, the time for our daily chat with Reverie/Callisto and again Budda was flat on his back so Charles again manned the radio for an amusing discussion with Simon & Mike which included reference to Monty Python's Spam Sketch. In another addition to the language of Osprey it is no longer refered to as the radio but to quote Kuki "isn't it time to phone Altair."
Now, Kuki has been on fine form today and has not reverted to her usual horizontal position on her bunk - in fact she has been positvely joyful. This has been put down to the confirmation of her desertion of Osprey in the Azores, flight details were recieved from Anita this morning. Charles refered to this as "Demob Happy" but John informs him it is known in nautical circles as "The Channels", and it became more evident when she discovered we were within 650 nm on a direct course. This has led John & Charles to consider the question of crew for the leg to Morocco - the decision reached being to use the old Royal Navy tradition of "press ganging". So plans are afoot for the use of surprise and cudgels to get the new crew member onboard, and in anticipation John has contacted customs & immigration in the Azores to sign Aku on as crew. Now Lou don't worry, Aku will be well treated once on board, and her bling will only be used to buy off pirates should we be attacked!
Today has been another baking day for Osprey, although Charles has been usurped from his position as baker by Kuki - just as well really as even before he was not allowed to bake on his own, constantly being given helpful advice by Kuki on how he was doing it wrong. Needless to say an almost perfect loaf was removed from the oven 2 hrs later.
So it is with joy at having wind coming from the right direction that the crew are preparing for supper, although tonight the squally weather has driven them inside the pilothouse so it will not be served on the terrace.