Monday February 5, 2024
This morning at 0830 we took on a pilot and motored out of the southern basin of Le Port and into the northern basin to take on fuel. 11 tons, or 11,000 liters. We had to turn the ship with feet to spare in one basin and then flip her around to go in stern first at the fuel dock. I think we made the pilot nervous. He was itching to take charge of the maneuvers. At the end once tied up he said that they were not used to piloting this type of ship. I had to point out that, I was.
Once all bunkering was done we got our pilot back. Being pointed out leaving was easy. Wind was just right to set a jib to get the bow off the dock and away from a big research vessel tied up ahead of us. With Tammy and Liam at the helm all went well. Got the Picton Castle out into the middle approach basin and all lined up to head and Dustin brought the skiff alongside after fetching our line handlers from the dock and the boat was quickly hoisted. Out of the channel only a few hundred yards past the buoys, the pilot boat came alongside and picked up our good pilot. While in the lee of the island we had a sea-breeze, an onshore breeze from the land heating up and air rising thus pulling air in from the ocean, making for a head wind. I figured this would give up soon – it did – and we set all sail with all hands and set course for well offshore of the southern tip of Madagascar about 600 nautical miles away.
It is a beautiful blue-sky day with small seas and a gentle motion. We are under all sail to the t’gallants. Royals still furled on their yards, as we are making 5.6 knots without them. And first night at sea in some time, well, we can set them later.
The watches will drill in sail handling tonight to be sure.
It is good to be back at sea again, under square sail spread to the world’s oceans winds.