This morning those who sleep aft were awoken by the sounds of a fish flapping on deck. Fishermen extrodinaire had caught another mahi mahi! Always a great start to the day. Slight drizzle, grey cloud morning, which ironically enough was a nice break from the Indian Ocean hot sun, postponing second mates Dirk’s celestial navigation class that commenced once the skies cleared up in the afternoon. The riggers, Anne-Laure and Annie, began their day by swapping out the fore upper topsail brace. This requires fastening a temporary brace to the yard and hauling it tight, making it fast on deck, otherwise the sail would not be able to stay set as well people would not be able to lay out on the yard. Helpful hands laid in today, Ted of North Carolina, and Jack of Vermont assisted in swapping out the fore topmast staysail, bending on an alternative, heavy weather version and swapping out the port mainsail buntlines.
At 1500 all work ceased for a very important Christmas stocking/crafting session on the hatch. Christmas music was played from the bridge, felt, ribbon, beads, canvas, needles and thread were layed out on the hatch for all who were eager to create their personal Christmas stocking. John, our sailmaker, provided us with beautiful Polyenisian fabric, so everyone’s stockings are a combination of their sewing skills and colourful blue and orange patterns. To top the festivities off, we enjoyed a delicious batch of popcorn made by Liz. It was a great end to the day and start to the Christmas festivities.
From: Bali, Indonesia
Towards: Rodrigues
Date: Wednesday December 19th, 2018
Noon Position: 12°05.6′ S x 098°03.5′ E
Course + Speed: WxS + 5.9 kts
Wind direction + Force: SE + 5
Swell Height + Direction: 3-4m + SSE
Weather: Morning drizzle, sunny afternoon Day’s Run: 140.1 nm
Passage Log: 1302.4 nm Distance to Port: 2045 nm
Voyage: 15078.2 nm
Sails Set: All sails except spanker, gaff topsail