After a number of hours of attempted hacking, our AIS system has died. This means that we have to be extra diligent at the helm and watch for traffic plus be strict about the "clip on" rules, because the AIS man overboard beacons are now useless unless there is another AIS equipped boat within VHF range. However we do have a radar target strength enhancer which makes us a bit more visible to passing ships. We are hand steering 24 hours a day anyway with three person watches, switching helmsmen every 30 minutes.
To add to the excitement of the day, I had just put away the tools from the AIS investigation when George on the helm yells, HELP sail in water. Bounding on deck we saw that the Genoa had parted at the swivel and slid down the groove and over the side. We managed to get it all on board and found that the shackle was missing from the head of the sail. We will wait for calmer seas to send someone aloft to tie a line to the swivel and halyard at the top of the mast so that we can bring it down again. The positive side is that we can sew up a couple of places on the old sail which has taken a beating in the last week.
Meanwhile we are under sail again with mainsail and cutter jib and about to make supper of tenderloin steak, mashed potatoes with gravy. Winds are 15 - 25 knots ENE - E.
Good Night,
Fred