No wind, little sleep, blue ocean in every direction as far as the eye can see, no vessel in sight, no fish caught and fresh produce running out fast - only 3 cabbages, 3 carrots, 2 apples, several potatoes and onions, plenty of garlic and oh yes, 15 lemons in anticipation of all those fish we were/are going to catch. The stuff of blues indeed, with only visits from dolphin pods to lift the spirits. Truth to tell, the mood amongst the crew yesterday was somewhat less than ebullient. After all, by 2 weeks in we had expected to be two-thirds of the way across but instead the trade winds have been fickle and we are still at least a couple of days behind our expected position by this time. 'Blame it on El Ninjo' we cry. Wind and weather not conforming to established predictions seems to have become the norm for our sailing adventures over the past couple of years.
The previous evening (Thursday 21st) however, the mood was lighter as we toasted grandson Noah's second birthday with a glass of fizz brought aboard specially for the occasion. The crew was also salivating at the thought of Cabin Boy's latest creation emerging from the oven just in time to accompany pressure-cooked ratatouille. This was a double loaf, half of which incorporated sun-dried tomatoes and consumed in one sitting. Indeed it was a triumph and the other loaf was still available for lunch the following day. Small pleasures become great in our situation.
But as yesterday wore on, the wind grew lighter and lighter and eventually the engine was switched on in an effort to maintain a 4 knot average speed. So just the time to indulge in some well-honed off-watch activities. These include reading, napping, repair and maintenance (skipper), bread baking (cabin boy), filming (media manager), occasional cooking and cleaning (mainly first mate, but cooking duties also admirably fulfilled by deckhand #1 and second mate), playing chequers, cards, and of course dreaming - mainly of unlimited water supply and steak.
The skipper deemed that a morale booster was required last evening. A bottle of red wine magically appeared to go with our spicy Dahl and rice dinner. It did the trick and conversation flowed once more as we sat on deck under the bright moonlight. We motored for 12 hours overnight but at least we are sailing again this morning. And on the positive side, the swell was much reduced allowing all to have a better quality of sleep even if in short snatches.
As I draw this post to a close, the first sightings have been made of the notorious Sargasso weed floating past. Some caught on both fishing lines so I guess any hope of fresh fish for supper is dashed. Now to think what else to cook for supper this evening - will it be tuna or sardine of the tinned variety? Pasta or rice or potato? Tinned peaches or pineapple? Happy days, a myriad of options. And for lunch….?
The previous evening (Thursday 21st) however, the mood was lighter as we toasted grandson Noah's second birthday with a glass of fizz brought aboard specially for the occasion. The crew was also salivating at the thought of Cabin Boy's latest creation emerging from the oven just in time to accompany pressure-cooked ratatouille. This was a double loaf, half of which incorporated sun-dried tomatoes and consumed in one sitting. Indeed it was a triumph and the other loaf was still available for lunch the following day. Small pleasures become great in our situation.
But as yesterday wore on, the wind grew lighter and lighter and eventually the engine was switched on in an effort to maintain a 4 knot average speed. So just the time to indulge in some well-honed off-watch activities. These include reading, napping, repair and maintenance (skipper), bread baking (cabin boy), filming (media manager), occasional cooking and cleaning (mainly first mate, but cooking duties also admirably fulfilled by deckhand #1 and second mate), playing chequers, cards, and of course dreaming - mainly of unlimited water supply and steak.
The skipper deemed that a morale booster was required last evening. A bottle of red wine magically appeared to go with our spicy Dahl and rice dinner. It did the trick and conversation flowed once more as we sat on deck under the bright moonlight. We motored for 12 hours overnight but at least we are sailing again this morning. And on the positive side, the swell was much reduced allowing all to have a better quality of sleep even if in short snatches.
As I draw this post to a close, the first sightings have been made of the notorious Sargasso weed floating past. Some caught on both fishing lines so I guess any hope of fresh fish for supper is dashed. Now to think what else to cook for supper this evening - will it be tuna or sardine of the tinned variety? Pasta or rice or potato? Tinned peaches or pineapple? Happy days, a myriad of options. And for lunch….?
Thought Sargasso was supposed to be full of life! Hope you catch something edible very soon, and you can have fresh fish with your ratatouille. Good sailing!
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