Day -3 New years Day 2014

I am sure you are wondering when we will eventually sail on Hotice. Well to day is the day at 1300ish. I am not sure weather I should be crewing in full ernest due to my lack of sleep but there is only one way to find out. Well once a Hawley always a Hawley! I did manage to wish Karey and the children the best for 2014 but have not as yet spoken to any one else.

Jean and Shaun are still zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

They are now awake!!

A good breakfeast was had at the local Spar which was the only place open and then onto the marina. By now I was feel quite good given my lack of sleep. Jean and Shaun were convinced that I would be sea sick! Well I was not even close!

We headed out for our first sail at about 1.45pm. The enthusiasm was immediately apparent amongst the crew and everyone jumped into action readying for cast away. Off we went out the marina, being watched by all the tourists as we passed by with our Cape to Rio Flag flying. Once out into open water Mark, the skipper gave the word and up went the main sail. It was quite impressive to me as to how the crew who have not sailed together got into action as if we were old hands. The wind was a bit flakey to start with then settled into about 20knts. Up went the Genoa and we hit speeds of 10.2 kts and SOG (speed over ground) 7kts which was quite impressive for a 22 ton beast.

Before we knew it we were practising a man over board routine as Shaun’s Imagine cap flew into the sea. We had to rescue it! The skipper reminded us of the principles and explained his preferences and before long we had all taken a turn at the helm, executing a rescue. Again everyone faired well and it was good to see that entire crew seemed to have  a fairly good idea of what to do – helm and rig. Mark, I think, was using this exercise for himself for a first impression on our competency levels.

We then head back into the marina and tied up.

Early night in bed by 8pm. Shu.. needed the sleep!