Beautiful Indian Ocean sailing as we scoot along between five and six knots, overcast yet still bright, with a pleasant breeze to cool us down while we shake off the sugar intake from yesterday’s DIY sundaes. The deck was humming with activity today. Sailmaker apprentice Sue, of England, and sailmaker extraordinaire John, of Massachusetts, hauled out the new spanker, stretching out the canvas on the quarterdeck and continuing work on the corner patches. James, of Rhode Island and Corey, of Saskatchewan, laid in lending a hand on seaming of the new t’gallant. All the while the 12-4 all-star painting team applied another coat of primer to the quarterdeck railing. We take our painting very seriously onboard, do it right the first time and the job will last longer.
The all-female rigging team started their day by greasing and oiling the metal blocks and sheaves on the main and foremast. By doing so this prolongs our gear and prevents the ever annoying squeaking. Post greasing, Anne-Laure, of France, went on to replace the buntlines on the main upper topsail and Annie, of Ontario, remade the port head earring lashing on the foresail. Carpenter Carlos, of Ontario, planed down the head of the new spanker gaff. During the day we were pleasantly entertained by two mahi mahi swimming along a metre from the hull on our starboard side, keeping up with our pace as if they were dogs running through a field with their owner. Beautiful creatures, with multi shades of blue, green and bright yellow. They are amazing to watch as they vigorously swim through the ocean, unaffected by its strong swell and tide. It’s fascinating to see nature and wildlife so up close and personal, we’re fortunate to be able to experience the wonders of mother nature, without as much as disturbing it. It’s like a nature film at our fingertips, all we’re missing is David Attenborough’s narration.
From: Bali, Indonesia
Towards: Rodrigues
Date: Monday, December 17th, 2018
Noon Position: 10°50.6’S x 102°35’E
Course + Speed: W1/2S + 4.5 kts
Wind direction + Force: SE + 3
Swell Height + Direction: 3m + SSE
Weather: Overcast
Day’s Run: 106.2 nm
Passage Log: 1024.5 nm
Distance to Port: 2321 nm
Voyage: 14800.3 nm
Sails Set: All sails except spanker, gaff tops’l, and mizzen stays’sail