Exhaustion. It was a long night last night and we wear it like a layer of thermal underwear. It’s too hot for thermals this close to Tahiti. Almost there. Just over 200 miles to our waypoint off the island as I write this. But the exhaustion is palpable. For Bob especially. Sailing in light air, fluky light air close hauled is not easy. Wilson, our fabulous windvane is trying but it is not easy as the squalls, not big ones, small ones just big enough to disrupt the fine balance Bob has achieved. Charisma is trying but she answers best to Bob. I try but know that I can only adjust so much. Bob gets awakened by the imbalance of the boat and arrives in the companion way to do his magic. He stands and listens to the input from Charisma and deftly applies the necessary adjustments. She listens and we are off again. Until the next squall sucks all of the air and changes the fine balance. I pray for wind adjustments. I know God doesn’t make deals but perhaps the angels can work with the winds. Perhaps the squalls can give Bob more than 45 minutes sleep each time. That’s how it was last night and through the morning. This afternoon we had to lower the “Whomper” jib and adjust the furling line. It is a big sail and was not furling properly. Working with a sail this large is no easy feat under sail. Bob is an expert from his younger years as an ocean racer; we got it done. Seems a small adjustment made a big difference because it is furling better now. Bob made more adjustments and the wind shifted behind a squall. We are now headed on a better course and the winds are building some. Maybe it will be an easier night. Because we are almost there…
Sail Charisma
The Adventure Continues!
How dreadfully frustrating light airs and squalls are for you both. Ann, I know what it is like to have someone who is woken by a subtle change in wind and wave that has passed completely by me. Now, if it was tension on a horse’s bridle, that would be a different thing! With two hundred miles or so to go, you hsould soon be smelling the coffee and the croissants. Hang on in there.
Chug, chug. Getting closer!
OK, enough with these stupid little squalls coming around constantly bugging you!
Ann, since you have recently been christened by the bowsprit in the Southern Ocean, I think your new Ocean Mother congregational status gives you the right to have a parental chat with those unruly squalls. I’m sure they will respond to a firm, but loving, request to knock it off and start behaving.
If they resist your gentle persuasion I think Captain Bob should rush on deck shouting war cries and angrily brandish the War Club at them. That ought to settle their butts down. (Just make sure Bob doesn’t drop the thing on his own head :))
Sail on, sail on sailors….
GO CHARISMA GO!!!! We are in Port Sandwich Vanuatu and the internet has been spotty for the past few weeks but is pretty good here. We both just read your blogs!! Wow, you guys are awesome…..winds from 0-50 kts, rain, lightning, squalls, motoring, ok, that last one is not too bad:))))…..holly weather batman!!!!! We are inspired by your sailing skills and tenacity!!! We are sending all our positive mojo that you have a most enjoyable last 2 days and are soon enjoying a fresh baguette, cheese and of course lot’s of wine!!