Flockers
18 May 2015 | Day 3 to Noumea
Tuesday 19 May 2015
As wind went aft and died at midnight we woke the iron monster until daylight when enough breeze appeared to again sail, indeed increasing to 20 kts for awhile. If conditions become sufficiently benign as forecast, may drag out the spinnaker later. Don't want to dawdle as a strong low is sneaking up from Tasmania to cross this area before the weekend.
Contrary to typical innovation expectations, newly installed rigging to set & stow running backstays without leaving the cockpit is working flawlessly. This makes wearing ship (cool nautical term for jibing, usually in reference to a square rigger) much easier. Begs the question of why, if we want easy, we're not in a marina in Del Rey or a condo in Redondo.
Since departing Paihia we've been shadowed by a gannet. Probably thinks we're his mama. These are large, white boobies, but should not be a source of confusion. So girls, if some loud, drunken jerk asks to see yours, don't be offended. He most likely thinks you have an aviary and would appreciate having the issue clarified by a suggestion for where he can stick his red-headed woodpecker or, alternatively, application of blunt force thereto.
Jack