Life on the Ocean Wave – some words from today’s Mother Watch

1,516 views  |   January 10th, 2020 

Plain Sailing

So we remain on our course north (roughly speaking and helmsmen skills allowed for) in bright sunshine and 18 knots of wind, under reefed main, storm sail and yankee and have covered around 390 nm .  After a lumpy sea state for the first day of the voyage, things are now calmer all round and the pattern of watches allows time to chat, relax and even sleep a little.  Skipper Sue has established a 3 watch plus Mother Watch system that allows everyone luxurious 6 hour blocks of sleep – heat and nausea allowing.

Sailing Along

Plain Sailing

We have all just about adjusted to what it means to live on an ocean going yacht.  Getting dressed at various angles ranging from 20 to 30 degrees, dealing with the occasional bout of sea sickness, getting into our watch routine (3 hours on 6 hours off), attempting, albeit with limited success, to keep our quarters tidy and learning to work as an efficient and cohesive team.

Few sightings of interest so far – we saw what was definitely a bird but we don’t know what species, a copious amount of flying fish and what was definitely a toilet seat but not ours.

Happy Birthday Luke

We marked the birthday (undisclosed number) of our American crew mate Luke with delicious chocolate cake  baked by Anna, and look forward to our first loaf of the voyage ( food wise I mean) baked by the ever reliable Stephen.

Great excitement amongst Mother watches because we get fresh water showers and can even wash some pants, as long as sea state stays calm at least.  Happy Days!

Sunset in the Atlantic

Sunset in the Atlantic

Stronger winds ahead

We are promised (??!!) stronger wind and quite possible rain in coming days – it’s going to get lumpy again. It almost feels like the calm before the storm; that we are going into sub-conscious energy conservation mode in anticipation for the trials and tribulations that lies ahead.

To be continued….

Posted by: First Class Sailing

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