Testarossa Daily Message: Grind On! Grind On! Eight Days and Counting... / Wednesday 25 May 2016//
As of 1343L hours on 25 May 2016, our position is: 38*24.274'N /
35*59.910'W. We are steaming 105* COG making 7.0 Kts SOG,under main and
motor, 348.9 NM's from the Azores. Note: We expect to arrive Azores in
approximately 2 days (Sometime Friday 27 May)
Yesterday began and
ended on a high note. As related previously, the events of yesterday
mid-morning and early afternoon, could not have been more exciting. Ok -
well they could have been. But as far as sailing goes - it was about as
good as it gets!
We had a spectacular dinner - probably the best
on board so far - and impromptu birthday party afterwards. I don't
think I had mentioned yet that Captain George had been slaving away in
the galley. He was making some "birthday cupcakes" for (dark chocolate
with chocolate icing) for Ms. Lorrie (As all great Captains do...orrrr
should!;). So we had desert! A Testarossa first. The line-up went
something like this:
Captain George - 4 cupcakes *
Mr. David - 3 cupcakes *
Babalou - 2 cupcakes *
Ms. Lorrie - 1 cupcake
Felipe - 1 cupcake *
* Note: These were visually verified in each one's respective doggie
bowls by yours truly, and are related in a true and honest fashion. Now
scoops of ice cream on the other hand...
It must also be noted for the record and by all, that desert was served with ice cream - again, a Testarossa first!
The after after party consisted of music and great discussion. The
discussion became particularly animated when Captain George and Babalou
started discussing American society et al. (taxes, work ethic, politics,
current state of affairs ad naseum, yada yada yada...). For the most
part, David and Ms. Lorrie observed, although comments were made all
around. Felipe, who was providing the virtual serenade, as the guest DJ
down below, did get thrust into the spotlight when called upon to be
the mediator (It's always better to have a diplomat on board!). A
notable moment, came about when Babalou had previously discussed how the
government should make people pay more taxes, yada yada yada. He then
stated that he "doesn't pay any taxes" yada yada yada...
The
Captain charged the defendant with "Hypocrisy!", to which all hands
looked to the moderator. Who was immediately put on the spot - (yours
truly was just trying to think of what song to play next!) "Sustained!"
To the uproarious laughter and hoots and hollers of all aboard.
Another notable moment, came about when certain "hand gestures" were
initiated by Babalou, the result of which the moderator cried "foul!"
"Hand gestures are inadmissible!" (Don't worry folks - its not what you
think!). The overall outcome of which, we now have our official
Testarossa "handshake" or "greeting!"
I guess, as they say - you just had to have been there!
[By the way, on a curious note, we did learn something culturally - in
the sign language department, from our resident Englishman - soon to be
American, David. In America, it is typically recognized as "You number
one!" - now this time I am referring to said sign language that I WAS
NOT referring to before; whereas in England, they give a more of "You
number two!" I don't know - it apparently goes all the way back to The
Battle of Againcourt, so that's the best I can do by way of explanation,
although I can see the simplicity and virtue of their particular
"sign." I would just caution Americans traveling in England to refrain
from ordering 2 hamburgers via sign language, or anything else for that
matter that comes in pairs, lest you appear revolting to our English
cousins. Oh wait, we've already been there done that! ;) ]
The rest of the evening was anti-climatic, to say the least. The "four
hour time-change" yesterday onboard Testarossa has thrown us all for a
loop - especially on night watches. Suffice it to say, it appears that
George, David, and Bob did the 1st watch, and Felipe did the second.
Coming up on deck at approximately 0100L, the conditions were gray.
Gray skies - no stars, no moon, with smooth slick gray seas, and what
appeared to be a light mist with a few rain drops. Nothing of note to
report during the night, we continued to chugg along as the wind is yet
to return, under main and motor. One vessel was spotted on the distant
horizon moving left to right. We could only break out a "white light" -
no nav lights, so presume it was a fishing vessel.
The morning
dawned gray and late, as the dawning seemed to take forever. When the
sun did finally come over the horizon, it was for a brief spectacular
sunrise - of amazing glowing oranges - before going back into the gray
over cast above. With Dolhins!
Today has turned out all right,
with clear blue skies and cooler temps, on a rolling flat surface. We
keep plugging away to get there, but alas, the Atlantic is a big place
when viewed from a small boat.
And the crew is recovering from yesterday...
Update: As we prepare to send this daily report, we have just resumed sailing. Testarossa is
now making 6.4 Kts. under main and jib, steering course 102* COG, 329 NM WNW of Horta, Azores.
Personal Messages from the Crew:
-------------------------------
Captain George: only a few days till I get my sailing buddies baCK!! Miss you Kyle and Sammy!!! Miss you to Baby!!!! 1437
Ms. Lorrie: JBS ~ Please convey my Happy Birthday wishes to the always
amazing Jane Hodges! I stand in her shadow and am thinking of her today
at sea in the Atlantic Ocean! You too ;) XOL
Captain Rum i.e. Bablou: He is hoping that everything is fine at home and that Mother is doing ok. He sends his love to all!
Felipe: 4CJ - Thinking of you - over 1/2 way! Be back in comms B4 U
know it! Miss you! Listen to Come on Back, by Keb Mo, 143 xxx / Hey
Glennnn! We are at 38*N Latitude - Same as Mizzouuuuu! M I Z...ps...And
we are even authorized to cross the 38th parallel...
Mr. David, Esq:
Fran! Got some sweet dolphin photos today! And enjoyed Morcheeba on the
ipod last night, with luminecense everywhere! Hope your week and the
course is going well, miss you. KP - laughing out loud to Catch 22
today, its genius. SP - DP still cold, we are now on same time as UK so
must mean we are getting close... Look forward to catching up in a few
days x
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Song(s) of the Day: Journey's End, by Blackmill
Junktion, by Beats Antique
The Sea, by Morcheeba
Edge Hill, by Groove Armada
Carnivores Unite, by Blockhead
Viper Style, by Sounds from the Ground
Miss you so Badly, by Jimmy Buffett
Come on Back, by Keb Mo
Sail, by AWOLnation
Take care all, and Cheers to all, from Team Testarossa! Azores bound, Two days out!
Testarossa Sends,
USA 143