Strong winds and big seas continue
The Skipper was the one who nearly copped it. He was in the cockpit,
helming over the crests and minding his own business and thinking that the winds
might have started to ease when he glanced behind him. A huge wave was
curled above Cleone's stern, in the act of breaking. He could do nothing
but glare at it, mesmerised. It broke just behind Cleone's stern,
depositing a huge dollop of water on the aft cabin roof, and a considerable
amount into the cock-pit. Luckily we already had the Wash-Boards in place,
so even if it had been a lot more, we should not have got too much water into
the saloon itself. But it was a salutory reminder of why we are wearing
are life-jackets and safety harnesses at the moment, and why we also carry two
sets of wash-boards!
We've managed to keep up the catering standards, despite the increasingly
heavy seas. But there was a near crisis yesterday afternoon; the fridge
drain blocked up and the beer began to get warm whilst Alex and the Skipper
sorted it out. Near panic ensued. The cause was spilt yeast, which
gave a further threat that we might not be able to bake bread - the ersatz
shop-bought stuff having run out a couple of days ago. Luckily, Alex
managed to salvage enough yeast for five loaves or so (he'll have to add
the three fishes and the skipper will fix the 5000 people), and by dint of
poking the narrow drain pipe with a piece of wire and forcing water down it from
the other end, we eventually cleared the drain in time to get the beers back
before they'd boiled. But the skipper noted that the evening can was not
quite as cold as it should have been.
Apart from that near disaster, all is well, though we do have to face up to
the Skipper's cooking again tonight. And we are out of fresh food.
It's been more heavy-weather than classic trade-wind sailing (again),
but progress has been good and we are nearly another 170 miles down the
track. Almost half-way, in fact; another milestone to celebrate.
All well with us, and best wishes to
everyone,
James, Norfy (Chris) and Alex