Jadamama blog day 18

A general indolence hit the crew as we were forced into motoring a few days ago or more accurately, a focus that has shifted to finishing and cleaning up. Although motoring had seemed unthinkable, it has become routine with either no wind or impossible wind angles that elicit groans as the forecast models come through. We have been using the WRI and ECMWF forecasts primarily and spending data in the hunt for better conditions to little avail as staying on the rhumb line nearly always seemed to be the sensible course. Fuel anxiety has declined as we have been measuring usage over longer terms rather than relying on the erratic feedback from the gauges and are now more consistent with the manufacturer figures and our own historic numbers. It will still be tighter than we would like but with just 115nm to go now, it looks like we have come through the worst of it.

Still we are looking forward to our last supper aboard as a crew this evening with a mocktail hour followed by show and tell and a lovely roast chicken dinner from Maryrose. We have not attempted another game of Scrabble since the protests and counter-protests of the last round that resulted in Maryrose losing a turn and Polly sneaking a win. Yours truly was last as usual but it was fun to observe and to stir up occasionally !

We have had fresh fruit salad every morning of the trip as some grapes, apples and oranges have managed to endure long after their likely shelf life and even had fresh milk until yesterday. At least we have a load of canned and other longer life items we can retain for the next leg in February.

I guess this is likely to be the last blog of this trip so thank you for showing interest in our misadventures. It is certainly a changing experience for me and one that is ending on a fantastic note with a crew that it has been an honour to sup and to sail with.

Maurice