Saturday 17 November 2018

Well, the best laid plans of rodents and hominids... Latest weather forecast has us heading to Bazaruto, Mozambique to arrive tomorrow night just ahead of some south wind. Looks like we'll have to hide out for at least a few days until subsequent storm gremlins decide to cooperate. Thought we might make it all the way, but circumspection being the better part of audacity (doesn't have the same flow, does it?), decided to avoid any overt display of spunk. Although day 3 from now would have been a bit disagreeable, day 5 would likely have become treacherous, requiring diverting anyway, into Maputo, and under severe circumstances with a less comfortable wait and perhaps not getting us in much sooner. Rats! With little else to do we'll just have to practice our drinking techiques with what other chickens decide to join us.

Over last 18 hours with 4+ knot current and relatively light 12 knot SE wind only slightly angled into it, swell built up to a short period 2 meters just off the bow. Gives an inkling why this coast has a notorious reputation for 8 and 10 meter, nearly vertical waves with a strong south wind. The Gulf Stream off Florida, with which we're somewhat familiar, having less current is also famous for its extreme conditions in an opposing blow.

Meantime light wind behind the boat since just after dawn brings too little air movement over deck to allay heat from a baking sun, yet enough to waft the tantilizing aroma of diesel fumes into the cockpit. Once underway again after unwelcome R & R, distance will be a smidge over 450NM, three days assuming all in one go.

"What to do if you find yourself stuck with no hope of rescue: Consider yourself lucky that life has been good to you so far. Alternatively, if life hasn't been good to you so far, which given your present circumstances seems more likely, consider yourself lucky that it won't be troubling you much longer." - Douglas Adams

Jack