Day 15, an
overcast day with steady winds and the boat moving too fast to fish.
Graham (aka
the rain maker/squall caller) was quietly resting on his bed with the porthole
open when the skipper, in his laconic relaxed Australian helming style,
inadvertently initiated a sharp turn. This plunged the leeward side of the boat,
including Grahams porthole, deep underwater.
With this
Graham decided to initiate storm caller protocol, and has converted the deck of
Beltana into a bedroom showpiece that would make Captain snooze
proud.
Although there
has been much discussion as to the cause of the turn: an overpowered main, a
strong gust of wind, a rogue wave.
The more likely cause is the skippers play list, which yesterday featured
spice girls and S-Club7.
Any of you who
are still under the mistaken impression that this voyage is a serious
undertaking, need to perhaps reframe your perceptions, closer to something like
a Hilton Style degustation crossed with Wild Boys Afloat.
What is
serious is Graham’s loud and clear message to Thor. Last night I was last on deck at 4am to
4 wet huddled figures in the cockpit, with lightning flashing around a stuck
genoa, and that was only a result of Graham doing a single load of washing.
Tonight we are expecting another thorough dousing of significantly greater
proportions.
In
anticipation of this significant weather event, we would also like to make
mention of the French Warship, which has appeared approximately 12NM off our
portside. Thank you to whoever put
in the resupply call for more wine and cheese.
JM