Day 36 Water, water everywhere 07/10/13

Position:  11. 30 S, 157. 09 W 

Week 6

Laid comfortably in my bunk this morning listening to the sound of the water rushing by, put me back to a sweet sleep several times. Woke with a good frame of mind as filtered light filled the cabin. Outside scene is grey squall and clouds. The wind was rising, I found my glasses and grabbed the rail above my bunk and swung out landing my feet on the cabin sole. Through the main hatch I could see a rain squall coming up our stern. I made a few entries in the log – it was 05:30 local time. The approaching squall had taken WWII off course. I could feel the boat gaining speed ahead of the squall and decided it was time for a course change, a morning shower and a chance to fill the bucket so I could do some washing. It was so refreshing as the rain built from a light spray to an outright deluge. I brought a soft wooden plug for the deck drain and a rectangular plastic container that I used as a scoop. In no time the bucket was full and I’d had my shower. Later, I got another squall going through – must be the 4th today. Water, water everywhere. I am working on a few answers to questions – a bird report and one about maintenance. Temp has gone down to 27 C with all the rain.

Question from Bob C.: How are you finding this voyage compared to your last attempt? Does the advancement of technology make your time easier alone and, in your duties i.e. internet, gps etc.

Glenn:  I’m using the same technology as last time. Paper charts, GPS, Aero Gen 4 wind generator, Solar panels. I don’t have a water maker, or refrigeration. The solar panels are 80 watts each instead of 60 watts previously. There are more Winlink stations, so I can communicate by ham net easier. I am six years older which is nothing as it turns out, the little kid is still with me and he and I can still wonder at the world and have fun. My incredible wife Marylou is still there for me and 100% supportive, and my two daughters Nicola and Claire I think understand this more this time around. I have been down this path before and all the way to within 700 miles of Cape Horn after that it will all be new. My big dream is to sail down Juan de Fuca Strait in one piece as soon as I can having left Cape Horn behind me, and well rounded.

Question from Mike F-C: I am interested in your program for going over ALL possible types of fasteners before the heavier weather conditions come alone to make such ‘repairs’ difficult. Do you categorize the types of fasteners or the type of rigging that is involved? Do you have a schedule for preventative maintenance for various areas of the boat. Like one schedule for rigging, one for structural areas, one for water access, one for all structures over five feet above deck level etc.

Glenn: Your question about ongoing maintenance is well put. I do not have an organized plan for maintenance. As far as I’m concerned I’m still in the ‘shake down’ phase and working out the wrinkles. This first leg to the bottom of NZ is a good test for me and the gear and from what I’ve seen so far are routine problems and maintenance particularly on a boat that was built in 1969. Once I turn the corner around the bottom of NZ and start the 13,500 mile leg to Cape Horn, we should have worked things out. This is not my first rodeo and we’ve done the best we can. I’ve just finished reading Robin Knox Johnston’s book Last But Not Least and I think I’ve done reasonably well considering what they set out with. I’ll go up the mast and up-end the halyards and tighten the rig before I hit the southern ocean. Thanks for your question Mike.

Heading:215 True Boat speed: 3 – 5 Knots Wind: NE 10 knots Swell: E 1.5m Cloud: 80% Baro: 1010 Steady Miles in last 24 hrs: 90 nm  

Behind the blog:

For a comparison, take a look at Glenn’s position on Day 36 of his first circumnavigation on October 28, 2007 00.20 S 144.56 W  He had just crossed the equator with Starbuck Island off to starboard (red marker).