I was on the very early morning shift, we had a few big squalls that sapped all the wind which meant we had to get the engines on. Reluctantly we had to continue motoring until about 11am. The forecast wind took a little while to arrive. Just as the wind started to pick up Rowan decided to get the new Pink sail up, all seemed to be going well, it billowed out, Rowan was giving it a last tighten when I noticed a black part fly off the furler into the sea. That was it! The rope was off the furler and we now had to man handle the sail down onto the deck before it went in the water. Thank god Phil was about as we both leapt onto the sail, some still went into the water. Phil’s brute strength got it up onto the deck. This is so sad as it is the same furler we use for Sporty Spice so we are now two sails down! Hopefully the part can be sent to Vanuatu. It is not the end of the world, it just means we will go a little slower. At least the gentle winds returned for the afternoon and we had a lovely comfy sail in sunshine. It is definitely getting warmer. The water temperature has risen nearly 5 degrees since leaving NZ. Our fishing lines still haven’t snagged a thing!
I’m currently on the first night shift 9-12pm, the winds have picked up to the low 20’s and we are roaring along, a lot bouncier, but doing some good miles. This shift my mission is to find a new ride on mower to buy for Mettingham, our old one has died. Thought it might be worth asking for any recommendations which would be gratefully received. It has to be quite robust as there is a lot to mow, plus it needs to cut out in the rough field.
The late rising moon over the horizon at the back of the boat was a spectacular big orange ball, now it is casting a wonderful silvery light over the waves.
About 2.5 days to go!
The blue/green colour around us is the wind lull. We are chasing Alia Vita to Vanuatu, but they have much better wind and left a day before us
The doomed Pink sail briefly up
Sunset
Moonrise with a few stars out
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