17 1238UT Horta 774 miles
We have decided on a bit of job sharing on the boat. As part of the forenoon
watchkeeper's duties, updating the blog has been added to the list. So, on
the basis that Andy had the morning, it is my turn today.
Yesterday turned out to be successful on all counts. Our best through the
water distance - 140 miles, best across the ground distance - 161 miles,
flattest sea, most favourable wind and a glass of wine with dinner to boot -
first in more than a week! We are hoping for more of the same today and it
certainly has started in the right way - fingers crossed.
We are now, unsurprisingly, well into our routine and are now happy, and
more able, to do other things than sleep while off watch. We keep
threatening to strip winches, have already rerouted some of the running
rigging and have wired in the deck-wash pump as an emergency bilge pump and
'hot-body' wash down. This is still to be tested but may well have it's
first customer this afternoon.
Now a public and open admission of complete befuddlement. Last night I had
the middle watch (midnight - 0400) and struggled to get going when I came on
deck after grabbing a couple of hours kip. Andy went below and I spent a
little time getting my bearings and looking at the starts which were
amazing. I then did my usual sweep of the horizon to make sure we were alone
and was not expecting anything because both our radar alarm systems were
quiet. When my
view ended up back at the front the boat moved on a wave and a white light
appeared right in front of us at about mast-head height and pretty close.
Panic. I checked the radar alarms again - nothing. I put on our radar -
nothing. I turned 10 degrees left to try and get a better angle on things
but nothing seemed to help. I then stopped and thought and watched. Rather
than moving left or right as I was expecting, the light started to rise. I
then realised that I was aiming at, I think, Jupiter and was ok to miss it
by several hundred thousand miles! For all of those concerned about Andy
getting home safely, he is quite able to manage on his own while I sit and
sway in a corner!
Here's to another day like yesterday. At this rate we could be in Horta by
next Thursday.
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