Bob's gap years

Vessel Name: Ben More
15 August 2022 | L’Aber Wrach
02 August 2022 | Port Launay
15 July 2022 | Port Launay
01 July 2022 | Camaret
15 June 2022 | Duarnanez
11 June 2021 | Topsham
18 May 2021 | Still Horta
13 May 2021 | Horta
07 May 2021 | Peter’s Bar
29 April 2021 | PICO
23 April 2021 | HORTA
07 April 2021 | Quinta do Loorde
30 March 2021 | Las Palmas
23 March 2021 | Arguineguin
16 March 2021 | Bar Ambigue (again)
10 March 2021 | Marina Gomera
02 March 2021 | Bar Ambigue
24 February 2021 | Cave Cuba
16 February 2021 | SUNNY COCKPIT
10 February 2021 | CAFE CUBA
Recent Blog Posts
15 August 2022 | L’Aber Wrach

SHIPS THAT PASS

15/08/2022

02 August 2022 | Port Launay

PICKLED WALNUTS

01/08/2022

15 July 2022 | Port Launay

FOUL EXPERIENCE

15/07/2022

01 July 2022 | Camaret

SUBMARINES

01/07/2022

15 June 2022 | Duarnanez

WHISKY GALORE

15/06/2022

11 June 2021 | Topsham

HOME RUN

11/06/2021

Quicky

12 June 2019
Robert Coates
Quicky
Sunrise photo taken at 0538 25th May about 30 miles south south west of Start Point, with a ship just crossing the sun.
I set night watches from 2100 to 0900 for the three of us doing two rounds of 2 hours on followed by 4 off. Although this means a theoretical 8 hours in a sea berth it always works out less because of changeover time involving update on ship sightings, changes to wind direction/strength etc. Also if someone on watch has a problem I will be called to assist (assuming I’m in my bunk) wake up, life jacket/safety line on up into the cold and wind and then the reverse. (No need to sympathise, it’s part of the fun!)
During the off watch period the other two will change watches in the middle which although done quietly often wakes you up. The atmosphere on the boat during the night is somewhat surreal (I think that’s the right word) with only the red lights on over the chart table creating an atmosphere of a warship in action. It all generally works very smoothly but tiredness is always a factor (you CANNOT afford to fall asleep, especially in the English Channel.
An ‘incident’ blog will follow shortly for events in Pavoa and I hope the occasional ‘life on a yacht at sea’ notes will interest those not so familiar with long distance sailing.
Bye for now
Be good(ish)
Rob
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