From Bill: What a wonderful trip so far. And to think that I came close to canceling out this year. The weather and sailing conditions are mellow beyond belief. For example, right now we are drifting along at 4-5 knots of wind to the ENE just like Cirrugator suggests. Making 4-5 knots to weather in very light air and seas that are kind of bumpy but OK.
I have always had interesting people as delivery crew and this group gets 4 stars. The chit chat hits a pretty high plane when books and reading are being discussed.
There is a lot of talk about travel and outdoor adventures. Real life doesn't come close to being as much fun. Guess that's why we do it.
A couple days ago we put our first halfway Point (party) behind us. That was halfway (Latitude). Yesterday's party was halfway (chronological) where the elapsed time and predicted time to finish were equal (8 days). (Oops. Forgot to open the sparkling cider.) The next halfway will be spatial, when the distance to SF is the same as the distance to home. That's coming up tomorrow, about 100 miles from now. The final party (unless someone can help us out with more suggestions) will be the halfway (Longitude).
I don't know if this was previously mentioned but a couple days ago when things were really quiet I decided on a crew training session consisting of races (tethered) around the deck. First up to the bow, switch sides and back to the cockpit. The best time was 27 seconds but the awards are being held up on a technical point. (One of the competitors was heard practicing while on watch the night before.) The new crew members did well but declined to join the subsequent blindfolded competition.
I opened up the engine compartment yesterday to take a look and most everything was fine: oil, coolant, belts, shaft seal, no fuel or oil drips. BUT. The damnned sea water coolant hose had a little drip that coated stuff with salt and required an hour or so of cleanup. Seems to be ok now.
From Kate: Hi Everyone. It became apparent that some of us were not contributing to the blog. Personally, I thought Chris was doing a great job, and sure that he won't have as many spelling errors as me. But here goes. This trip seems kind of like a vacation! Lots of naps, food, and general relaxation. Occasionally, we have to trim sails, etc. but overall it's been quiet. We were well provisioned and have a buffet to choose from each lunch and dinner. Last night we had shrimp scampi with pasta and a veggie to keep our Mom's happy. Cookies for dessert. Lunch today was chili on top of rice with apples on the side. I still get slammed around, though. There is a safety strap in the galley that goes around your back that keeps most of a person's body in the galley area (some appendages exempt).
From Kathy: Today I cooked, served, and ate an entire meal at sea. Those who know me will realize this is quite an accomplishment. They will be more amazed that although I was "in charge" of provisioning, the crew has not starved. Many a meal has been what I have mentally called "man meals"—I set out the cans, they are opened, the contents thrown into a pot and heated, and we eat the results. Clam chowder, canned corn, and canned chicken has been a favorite, we have had it twice. Chris says "Mmmm, delicious!" every time.
Some have asked about our shipboard rituals. I take a lot of naps. A lot. After every meal and every watch. I am well rested. After my really long nap, from ten p.m. to five a.m., excluding checking in on Kate's watch at 2 a.m. (the milky way is finest at that hour) I take out my trusty individual packaged face wipes (first product placement of the day), wash my face, do some leg stretches and bicycle moves, heave myself out of bed, and I'm good to go.
The first few days, those who had them wore the Pacific Cup's "Performance Shirt" incessantly. Perfect to keep the sun off and the air in during those tropical days. Still available on-line.
Also, among the numerous coffees available on board, the coffee of choice has been Starbuck's instant coffee in a tube. Other great items: bandanas. Those headlamps with the red lights on them. Long's over-your-prescription-glasses polarized sunglasses. If you don't have them, get them.
After dinner, Kate and I do foredeck drills. We try to beat Bill's time around the foredeck, totally clipped in the entire time, of course. We couldn't even beat his eyes closed time.
My watch is from 6 to 9, a.m. and p.m., the sunset and sunrise watches. There is absolutely nothing so nice as to be on watch at night, the rest of the crew busy or slumbering below. I look forward to my watches, I look forward to getting home, but first, chicken pot pie for dinner (Costco, Marie Callender's, individual servings, just heat and serve.)
Also, grapefruit, oranges, apples, and cabbage last a lot longer than you'd expect—it's day nine and they are still good. And they are easily peelable/sliceable on deck.
That's all for today. Thanks for your comments. ~ The Crew of s/v Cirrus
Hi, I am Teshya and I think those pics are so organized and awesome. Good Luck to all of you.
ReplyDeleteFrom Santa Cruz:
ReplyDeleteThe Wednesday-night sailing was FANTASTIC! The wind was strong, but not at all cold. "Delicious" is the only word I can think of that describes the feeling. Steve's boat goes fast, but doesn't heel as much as ours, probably because it's the "house." We just went where we felt like and only had to navigate through the fleet once, something Steve did effortlessly and with zero impact on the fleet, which we prefer. Afterwards, I went to the YC for a sandwich and to buy Steve a drink. Of course everyone was very interested in your progress. Greg says hi. Of course, many people are now watching the blog with interest.
-Agnes
Hello Kate, Kathy, Bill, and Chris,
ReplyDeleteWonderful "Guest" Blogging! More, More! We really got a good sense of what your days are like. Congratulations on reaching the mid point and on having such a great trip and the luck of such great weather.
Great story about the Indian/Pakistani mariner concerned about your welfare.
See you soon, Rick
Almost there
ReplyDelete