October 30

It was stated by female crew of Freezing Rain that otherwise gendered captain was multitasking. This activity as everyone knows is the sole domain of women and not built into male functionality. After being reminded of foregoing reality, said crew explained that Don was drinking beer and doing something else. Ah! An exception that proves the rule. Note with asterisk added to Book of Immutable Laws of Nature.

Multifarious tasks were accomplished today making ready for tomorrow's anticipated egress. Waterline no longer has green tendril forests swaying with 20 knot wind chop and prop, which had accumulated a layer of crust, is now smooth as a babies tush. Why, he queries, does copper, active ingredient in most anti- fouling paint, work (somewhat, sometimes) when bronze props so easily foul? It's a quandary.

Bid farewell to cruising friends and staff at Big Mama's during barbecue tonight before returning home for good night's sleep. Anthem will be at large by 0900 or so after captain abuses airwaves as Penguin Net control starting at 0730. Roll call of boats underway has been shorter with fresh breeze, high seas and squalls, but should escalate by Monday morning with several departures, most to Opua, Sunday. 1100 NM trip with good wind takes as little as 6 days for fast boats. If this crew expects quicker than 9 they're dreaming. Mutiny watch will be maintained after day 5. The cat will not be spared.

Jack