The Galapagos Islands fade astern. Big long South Pacific swells roll in from the south. Frigate birds perch on the spanker gaff span.
Yesterday the new watch bill was posted, crew members scrambled to see the page to find out which watch they are now on. Last night we enjoyed a beautiful calm sail under a starry southern sky, getting to know our new watch mates. The first day of winter in the southern hemisphere, the complete opposite to what the majority of the crew members are used to, being that most hail from north of the equator.
At 0800 this very calm morning we took in all sail in order to motor away from the land masses and currents. The deck was in full swing this morning, pine beams were brought up from the tween decks to replace old deck pieces. Our bosun’s mate Vaiufia, of Tonga, took down the fish tackle for the passage – no anchoring for weeks yet and it will receive an overhaul. Lead seaman Lars, of Norway, completed his vigorous rig check on the fore mast and the hawsers were brought up out from the chain locker to receive an inspection.
The crew is excited to be underway for potentially 3 and 1/2 weeks! Tomorrow the first mate Erin, of Bermuda, will post a dayman watch bill, meaning some crew members will get a chance to work with either the sailmaker, the bosun, ship’s carpenter or the engineer. Advancing ones understanding is always beneficial to the ship and to sharpens one sailor skills.
From: Galapagos
To: Pitcairn
Date: June 22, 2018
Noon Position: 01°25.15′ S – 090°38.0’W
Course and Speed: SWxW + 4.2′
Wind Direction and Force: SxE +3
Swell Height and Direction: 4 + S
Weather: Overcast
Day’s Run: 90nm
Distance to Port: 2685nm
Voyage: 3475.6nm
Sails set: All sails