Today has been picture perfect sailing weather, easy rolling seas that lap against the hull every so often, clear blue skies, warm sun and a tremendously steady breeze, cooling off those who are working hard on deck. Work on the spanker gaff progressed extensively, the tip was filed down and sanded to its shape, the hardware was re-added and the spar received a fresh coat of buff paint. Stephanie of British Columbia lent a hand to rigger Anne-Laure, unbending the outer jib and sending it to deck, after which they sent out the replacement stronger outer jib and bent it on. After lunch, Annie assisted in re-attaching the gear, the halyard, tack, sheet and downhaul, having the sail set again by 1430. The mates on watch are always pleased when they can set sails again. Meanwhile, lead seaman Dustin of Nova Scotia laid aloft on the main royal to take up on the starboard earring lashing. Liz worked diligently on the well deck, braiding a new stopper. On the quarterdeck, the sailmaking team (John, Sue, Erin and Corey) added grommets and a brail patch to the new spanker, and a rope cover to a lower topsail clew. Stocking crafting continues on our down time. Jack was able to create a beautiful Polynesian patterned stocking that actually fits his right foot! And Carlos finished up fixing the spanker gaff under the Captain’s guidance.
From: Bali, Indonesia
Towards: Rodrigues
Date: Thursday December 20th, 2018
Noon Position: 12°23.2′ S x 096°21.0′ E
Course + Speed: WxS 1/2 S + 4.3 kts
Wind direction + Force: SSE + 3
Swell Height + Direction: 2m + SE
Weather: Sunny, cool breeze
Day’s Run: 101.6 nm
Passage Log: 1405.6 nm
Distance to Port: 1944 nm
Voyage: 15181.4 nm
Sails Set: All sails except spanker, gaff topsail, mizzen
staysail