Thursday 25 February 2016 - Later

Following previous communication, overflowing with confidence in the rightness of the universe and all that occurs therein (except for weather prediction), head of genoa ripped out sending it down the extrusion track and into the Andaman Sea. Sailmaker Tony uses a webbing strap instead of cringle for good reason, but that then is apparently a weak point. As crew turned off to retrieve same, conditions picked up well above forecast (perhaps weather weasels were trying for an average). With apparent mostly blowing 30 to 35 knots at 40 degrees off would have been down to staysail and fully reefed main anyway so not really missing the big foresail. All considered, the bilge beast was awakened to punch us more rapidly toward shelter and out of rather more spirited seas than optimum.

Now at anchor off Tarutao, Thailand, just north of Malaysia. Today was less fun than one might imagine. Up to 35 knots and short choppy seas are best left to someone else. Speaking of which, our charter buddies in unweatherly cats are at Ko Lipe and may expect similar conditions tomorrow (at least in the morning) with a highly unfavorable angle toward Langkawi.

Friday

During mid-evening previously quiet anchorage began experiencing williwaws, a minute or two of calm, then 10 to 20 seconds of 30 to 50kts. Everything on the boat that could shake and make noise did. Spent long night with occasional bouts of sleep. At least we weren't at Ko Lipe or underway.

Saturday

Sailmaker, South African Chris, in Telaga says sail more damaged than initially thought. Bolt rope for extrusion ripped out requiring some effort to repair. Gosh darn or stronger words to that effect. Oh well, we'll be engaged in installing Hydrovane and varnishing over the next couple of weeks so sails of minimum moment for awhile.

Jack

Friday 4 March 2016

Neglected to send this in timely manner. Now in Rebak Island Marina. Kidney infection has plagued some of us for last several days, but hopefully now beaten into submission. Genoa returned/installed and Hydrovane arrived (last evening). Expect hands not to be the devil's playground for a couple of weeks.

Jack