Blog by Mike

Received by Satphone - posted by Tess &
Jeno

It has calmed enough to write todays blog and is actually quite pleasant at the moment. Just after writing yesterdays blog the wind went west north west between 18 and 20 knots, thats on our bows and it was very uncomfy. We furled everything away and had to motor on both engines as the waves were continuously trying to turn us. It turned out to be a very unpleasant night watch and we could only achieve 3 to 4 knots while hanging on. We were not very happy so we both resumed the curl up with pillow buffer positions. Fortunately the swell wasn’t big, just spray and banging. At 0500 this morning the wind abated to North and we increased the revs on both motors to cover some ground while it lasted. At 0930 we went back to sailing while the wind increased and it’s looking like a carbon copy of yesterday is about to unfold. Must be Neptune’s way of welcoming us to Australia or maybe saying don’t leave me, whichever it is we are not impressed. The last 24 hours certainly hasn’t been champagne sailing, but on a positive we had a magnificent sunrise behind us this morning.
I deployed the hand lines with small sacrificial lures that can handle 50 kilos of fish only so anything big we won’t see and anything lighter can be towed until its knackered and I can get in the mosh pit without getting drenched with seawater.
The overall plan now for our entry into Australia is open ended, we are just going to play it by ear and watch the weather. All in all we are doing fine and if anyone wants to share the experience I suggest sitting in the washing machine on heavy duty cycle will give you some idea of the ride. I finished my new book and Floss is slowly reading hers. I have decided to prioritise how I approach life in Bundaberg after Border Security finish. Something like Champagne, Bundaberg rum, pies and pat a kangaroo as I feel like I’m in Skippy’s pouch now hopping along.
Time/Date: 12.00pm 28-10- 2017
Current Position: 23 39.725S 157 06.480E
Current Water Depth & Temp: 3000m & 24.1 degrees
Safety: All Safe, no traffic to be seen. Tonight should be a different story as we will be entering Australian shipping lanes.
Wind / Sails:
• Wind – 17 NW TWS (AVG), MAX TWS 27.9kts, MIN TWS 1.0kts
• AVG SOG 7.45kts
• Gennaker – 0hrs
• Genoa – 2.5hrs
• Main sail – 2.5hrs
Distance Travelled: 111 nm
Distance Remaining : 154 nm (to Bundaberg Marina)
Engine Hrs: 22
Where to now: Heading 260 degrees to Bundaberg Australia
Fishing and Wildlife: Lines were in from this morning, a couple of birds only.
Meals: Fruit, ham and salad sandwiches, salad, scrambled eggs, fruit and yogurt. Eating up the last of the fruit and veggies as nothing can be brought into Australia.