Gone Sailing / Reaching - Issue 4
No not dry reaching (thankfully), broad reaching since sun down last night. We had a great downhill run under kite through the day and with the wind swinging a little further east we set the number 2 headsail and enjoyed a slightly bumpy but quick ride last night averaging around 8-9 knots in a breeze anywhere between 12 and 30 knots.
We can no longer see land and are settling in to these conditions for the next few days, at least until we pass Lord Howe Island. The sea state is still a little confused making down below and off watch sleeping a little more challenging than before. Steering at night was also a bit of fun with random waves and swell picking up the bum of the boat and sending her in random directions.
Nature Spots:
A few very large Albatross soaring around us from time to time.
Flying fish trying to commit suicide by launching themselves on the deck.
Truck loads of falling stairs.
The Boat:
A few bolts came loose in the clevis on the boom, luckily noticed by Rick before it became a problem. This was spotted at sunset so a makeshift fix was rigged and more investigations and possibly the big machinery will be out today.
The Chart Plotter is miraculously working again..
The new spray dodger - this has almost become a worship item on the boat. It is doing a marvellous job of keeping the saloon and cockpit dry not to mention the wind, waves and spray off the crew. I am sure it will have a name before the end of the trip.
The tucker:
We had our first meal from "Easy Foods" last night, although not as tasty as Carolyn's home cooked meals the Beef Stroganoff was fantastic. Thumbs up so far from all the crew.
We have just dropped the number 2 headsail and put up the number 3 as conditions seem to be settling in at 20-30 knots and the sea state still chucking us about a bit. There are squalls of rain bringing stronger wind and the new sail plan feels more comfortable and is certainly easier to sail the rhumbline. Mike steering through the change likened it to driving a big Kenwood truck.
Current Situation - 10am Thursday
Nick Fo on helm, Mike, Jess and Stoops on deck - I am hearing the word "beer" often so not sure in what context but think I know... Leon and James catching zzz's, Rick reading what he has told me as his first book since high school, "The Girl the dragon tattoo" although perhaps a little heavy going should have him addicted to reading in no time.
I too am going to catch some sleep, I spent my off watch last night - in between bouncing towards the ceiling - sliding off the bunk under the lee cloth onto the floor, dam this starboard tack! Saloon settee for me tonight if I can't con mike to swapping bunks...
The wind angle has just swung a little more east so looks like we will be enjoy beam reaching for the next few days. Nice!
Signing off on behalf on the Samskara Crew, The Ships Cat.
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