Day 6 - A word about the Marco the Magnificent
13 December 2012 | en route to Tarawa, South Pacific Ocean
Andy and Tony
Thursday 13 December The longer we are out here surrounded by the elements, just us, the boat, and the odd bird (and numerous bits of flotsam - huge log just floated by�... where did that come from 300NM from anywhere? and where is it going?) the more we appreciate our little universe, and getting to know its unique vulnerabilities and strengths. Various bits of kit either reveal their usefulness and reliability, or their fragility. As many before me have noted, the things that provide comfort and security also create anxiety about their possible loss, you know, you don't know what you've got till it's gone�..... So in the interests of showing due respect for our third crew member, thought I should put in a word for Marco, our amazing autohelm. Despite the name, Marco is genderless, but s/he is also untiring, endlessly willing to steer us through thick and thin, and without him/her our onboard lives would be a lot tougher �- non-stop helming around the clock really grinds you down. Every day we thank Neptune that Marco keeps on going on �- and forgive him/her on the odd occasion s/he throws a hissy fit and throws in the towel. Like many sailors, s/he doesn't like light airs, and when the sea state is very rough or the winds variable s/he can unexpectedly backwind the boat, or throw in a 180 turn, or simply keep bleeping at you that we are off course. As this can happen after a long stint we take the cue and give him/her a break, and these latest calm patches have seen both of us helming for several hours a day to keep the boat moving forward in the occasional wind puffs and the swells.
As in any tight knit group, petty rivalries exist, with the Captain and First Mate often vying to see who can out Marco Marco on VMG (velocity made good) or picking the best (ie most comfortable, smooth course) thought the swell. Usually it's a no-brainer - Marco wins hands down each time. Anyhoo, better get back up there on deck and give him/her a break (plus have another crack at seeing if I can get a smoother line in these conditions!) We have had 8-15 knots on the stern quarter most of the day, with a few rain squalls- which we generally try to steer around bringing some exciting moments as they passed through. So far we have spotted them in time and were well reefed to handle the up to 30k gusts, and IM sailed gallantly on. Should crack the 700 NM to Tarawa goal tonight if this wind continues - too soon to predict a reliable ETA yet, as at least another 8-9 days at this rate, but good to be getting closer to the halfway mark from Gizo.
Tony has been getting great weather faxes from Honolulu and NZ weather bureaus, we are well north of the lows and cyclone near Samoa and Fij �- hope any yachties and other mariners are safe in harbour in those latitudes. Ciao for now.