Thursday 2 August 2018

OK, now remember why people don't venture out into big water - not dragons. Wasn't as much that the wind was so strong, over 30, or that the sea was so high, over 4 meters, but mostly the shape and juxtaposition of waves. Frisky doesn't quite cover it. Understand why either earlier or later in the season, before trade winds reach full strength or have begun to diminish, is favored. Also, although Beneteaus and Catalinas are good boats for many uses and probably strong enough, particularly pleased to be thrashing about in a Hylas. Zestiness started in the afternoon and went through the night. Feels somewhat better this morning, but forecast numbers continue up until just before arrival tomorrow morning. Have had more difficult nights, but we were younger then.

A least the bed is dryer. Couldn't stop ingress of water so diverted it around mattress into food locker - another looming task for Jan. Idle hands are the devil's playground, you know. All Cocos restoration projects must, of course, await recovery from obligatory, gin induced crapulence (love that word).

Not having mystical beliefs, disdain concept of tempting fate so assume safe arrival of the morrow (there's that snobby English talk again), which brings forward contemplation of next passage, Chagos. Nobody wants repeat of last 20 hours (and next 12?). Word is that sea state, particularly sucky around our current destination, improves both northward and westward. We'll just have to see about that. Although weather window for this leg was as good as it was going to get, would have decamped from Darwin on time regardless. Next leg, however, although planned for the 8th, can slide either way to find best. The delights of Cocos could become seductive.

Jack