Wednesday 14 November 2018

Got underway early to get ahead of curve for passing Cap St. Andre before wind backed to the west. As turns out, wind forecast was right on and we've had a delightful sail all day. There is, however, a strange pattern of the wind spinning counter-clockwise 360 degrees each day for the next 3. It has now come onto the bow so we're motor-sailing on starboard at 15 degrees apparent (couldn't quite sail clear of the cape so did this to avoid uncomfortable sea due opposite currents coming together) and as it continues around will tack onto port then shortly return to being a sailboat. Breeze is strong enough for good speed, but not so strong to build a tall sea. If only...

Thursday

Love it when a plan comes together. Terrific sailing all night as planned above, but early morning for a short time then early afternoon wind went away causing noisy production of CO2 and water vapor from burning hydrocarbons plus various residuals due incomplete combustion. Besides creating a racket, this is bad since water vapor is fresh and reduces ocean salinity. Perhaps, however, not as serious a problem as some may claim. Expecting a fair bit of motoring, fuel tanks were laboriously filled in Hellville.

Since SSB is operating 5 by 5 (scale of 1 to 5, loud and clear - not an official usage) for voice on informal net and to receive South African weather broadcasts, assume inability to connect much less send data is due Sailmail station in Pretoria. Now just over 1000 NM and should have no difficulty. Incompetent crew who neglected to get Iridium Go satellite device in Darwin has had his grog ration cut.

And speaking of shipping packages, could not have the radio sent anywhere in Mascarenes or Madagascar, so sent to Richard's Bay. Since two other packages claiming 4-7 day delivery took over a month (which because we couldn't wait any longer in Reunion, will possibly be placed with another yacht to meet us somewhere in South Africa), ordered early. This one, of course, arrived expeditiously and UPS now wants very badly to send it back. May have forestalled this until arrival, but no guarantees. Inspiration Ladys had, as recalled, some warranteed batteries chase them a quarter around the world under similar circumstance. No Amazon drones out here yet.

Friday

Great wind all night then none so motoring, but found the Moz Current that is currently (chuckle, snort) shoving us along 1.7 knots faster than speed through the water. May not re-convert to a sailboat until late afternoon. Notwithstanding calm winds the sea is a meter and a half, probably residual from previous bad weather south.

For lunch snack Jan brought up a can of Pringooals potato chips. Thought somebody had ripped off the original company, but discovered they're made by Pringles. So, why change the name? Does Malaysia already have a product, perhaps mosque ornaments, called Pringles? Anyway in perusing the container was relieved to see the potato-like product contained gluten. Given the current (there's that word again) gluten-free fetish it's hard to find food that contains the stuff. What if crew develop gluten deficiencies? Huh? What would we do in the middle of the ocean? Can't find it out here. Fortunately now we're covered. One less source of angst.

Jack

PS Not a peep from Sailmail so will try to send with Winlink (ham). If you got this it worked. If you didn't it didn't unless I have forgotten to delete when eventually sending by Sailmail in which case you'll wonder what the hell is the matter with me. This is not an uncommon observation.