Day 3 – Monday
I was up at 5.30am to mild winds and milder sea. Mark made a proper breakfast of pork bangers and eggs. Jean managed to make it down stairs onto a bunk and is looking over the worst. Shaun has spotted two yellow tails following our boat and has the line out – guess he is perking up! Mike said to Mark that we might have saved him two million bucks because if he is to feel this bad every time he sails, there is no point. I will wait and see what he says at the end.
Shaun and Jean put out fishing lines behind the yacht and we caught our first fish, a yellow tail which has been prepared as sushi.
We still had quite large waves today 4 to 5 meter swells. Shaun said yesterday they felt like 20 meters. Mark confirms yesterday about 6 meter swells.
Our starter motor packed in today and at present we are motor less. Mark and Warrick are going to try and fix it tomorrow again. You might wonder why we need a motor but it is because we need a motor to recharge all our batteries – but of course it is in neutral.
We started heading west again then slightly SW to find the wind but were then called to assist Genevieve with diesel as they were running low. We were not happy as it would take us off course but realised that it was important in the interest of safety as she had run low and catamarans are allowed to motor and do so as part of the rules. She had apparently assisted with another boat and used up her fuel.
After 5 hours and with her in sight we were called to say don’t bother for now, that they are alright. What a waste of time.
I am on duty from 12 to 4 tomorrow morning again. We are making good progress west again
January 7, 2014 @ 10:36 am
Thanks for taking the time & effort to update us – really enjoying reading the posts. Wishing you sailors “Fair winds & following seas..”
January 7, 2014 @ 10:49 am
I just feel sad for that poor yellow tail that tried to make contact with you guys and was butchered for Sushi.
January 7, 2014 @ 11:38 am
Glad to hear everyone is doing better and thinks have calmed down!! Looking good on the Xtratrack site too. Keep it up.
January 7, 2014 @ 12:00 pm
Loving this Rob …… what id do to have that experience, once in a life time and a great worthy cause ….. Safe Sailing and keep the posts coming !
January 7, 2014 @ 2:50 pm
Glad to hear all you guys are alright on the yacht. We had been hearing some worrying reports, with 7 yachts being damaged due to gale force winds and 8 metre swells. Glad your yacht made it through.
Warwick is a crew member on board and if you could tell him hi from his Brother Hart and the family we are all thinking of him!
January 7, 2014 @ 5:04 pm
So glad to hear all the news. Keep it up, sailors. You’re doing blooming marvellous. If its ok to leave a personal message, for Mike: hang in there boet, enfect, the fish are biting!
Looking forward to the next update, Rob. Thanks man.
January 7, 2014 @ 7:13 pm
Good going guys! Another few days and everyone will have found their health and rhythm. Enjoying the daily updates and especially looking forward to the stories over numerous cold Castles on return!