Throw five guys on a 42 by 15 foot boat (max in the middle), and it is amazing how the strengths quickly work together to problem solve or fix everything. Throw in someone knowledgeable like Tom Trimmer, Someone inventive like John Hoffman, someone practical and cautious like Norm Weill, and someone willing to just join in at any command, and you have the makings of a great team. We have been through interesting moments (which Comocean has no problem handling). We have seen everyone use their talents to help solve the problem.
In the process, Tom Trimmer joined Toby Hynes in the night time "360 club". That's an unanticipated wind shift jibe in pitch darkness that finds you trying to chase the GPS headings (they lag) to find a proper course. The sails are flapping, everyone asleep awoken, and on deck (with proper life vest) on having experienced the thrill of a 360 degree turn with a port and starboard 20 degree lean within 30 seconds. Amusement parks have no better or thrilling rides! We have seen Tom, Norm and Toby, adding a second reef in the early dark when the major block has shattered on the foredeck. We have Norm reminded us we should have reefed earlier and then pitching in to solve our problem. He also told us we should have had a more conservative flight path to prevent the jibe (he is always right). Ron's muscle overcame our rigs weaknesses. In today's brilliant sea conditions (more later) we have John and Tom rearranging the fore deck to improve the line layout and reduce the tension on the lines. Tom also installed the new block after chasing down the cause of ball bearings found on the deck and in the cabin. By the way, there was never any risk or danger...just excitement.
We awoke today, with Ron at the helm to almost flat seas. The wind was dropping to 10 knots and is now about 5. About 10:00 AM we turned on the motor. And, may not turn it off for another two days or until we reach Georgetown. We will be one day ahead of schedule and spend the night there if things go as planned. John cooked French toast this morning. Actually he called it Jamaican toast as he could not find cinnamon and instead through in a little rum. ALL IS WELL ON COMOCEAN. Flat seas bring on a Pork Tenderloin for dinner.