Day 5 Transpac 2017
07 July 2017 | Pacific Ocean
Rodney
Day 5 has been spectacular! We were able to pop the 0.6 oz kite at 6:00 am and have been flying it all day. We are 1542 miles from HI and blasting along at 9 knots. This morning we reported our position and found out we are still first in class, but have dropped to 15 th overall. We are taking more of the great circle route to Honolulu, while our competition is driving south looking for stronger winds. 9 days from now we will see who's strategy paid off.
I do the 12 am to 4 am shift which is rather challenging once we get into squall latitudes - more on that later. I was off shift at 5 am when Ted tells me the head is clogged. Now, there are certain emergencies on a boat, torn sails, pod of whales, bilge filling with water, but the clogged head is one of the worst. Both Ted and Tony tried to get the clog out to no avail. Seems like Jim was the last one to use it when the blockage occurred?? Lots of finger pointing. So Tony is driving and commented how he could really use the head right now. Well, in a pinch we have pulled out the bucket in the past, but out of compassion for our ship mate Ted and I got out the tools. So its 5:30 am and dark, Ted has the flashlight as we strategizing on how we are going open the hose to the thorough hull and put a hole in a perfectly good boat. Currently we are in 2200 feel of water, so it is a long way to the bottom. Tony finally yells from the cockpit "bring me a bucket". Hold on we say. So I grab the plunger and open the through hull as a fountain of water sprays up in the head. I reach down the pipe and pull out a baby wipe. Now, there are only two authorized items that can use the head - baby wipes are not on the approved list. After a quick reassembly, I grab the helm as Tony sprints through the boat, follies thrown about. The captain has now invoked marshal law that now only one item is authorized in the head. The other is in a bucket under the sink.
Jane always reminded me that cruising is like fixing a boat in exotic places. Well racing to Hawaii is very similar. Other than the head we have repaired the voltage regulator, upper rudder bearing and lots of other odds and ends. Tonight we feasted on Rodney's award winning chili with freshly graded cheese and sour cream. Jim graced us with spiced rum and orange juice with four ice cubes - life is good!