Emily Here,
Yesterday I was net controller for the ARC SSB radio net. Everyday at 1200hrs all the boats with an SSB
radio (long range radio) relay their position, weather etc. to the duty
controller. This is also a chance to chat to other boats and is a real focal
point for everyone to listen in. After collecting every boat’s position I announced a poetry competition
to be read out today after the role call. The criteria was for one verse with
the theme being “The situation you currently find yourself in.” The prize is a
bottle of rum (or suitable alternative for children) for the best one.
Today we heard what each boat had created. We had some fantastic
poems from everyone on the net – some of whom were speaking in a foreign language.
We have a few more to hear tomorrow, before I decide upon a winner.
Otherwise everything is going well, we have had around
10kts of wind on the beam for the last couple of days which is due to increase
tomorrow. We have all got into the watch routine now and for the past few nights
I have been seeing lots of shooting stars which are real treat.
Still no fish but we have been having plenty of potatoes. I
have a new moto for Mum when she isn’t sure what to cook: “When in doubt, get
the spuds out!”
As well as today marking one week at sea, we also have less than
2000nm to go, so we are celebrating by opening one of Mum's jars of mince for ChilliConCarne for dinner
tonight. No potatoes, rice instead.
Emily MacDonald
Summerwinds of Cuan