Day 55 Sailing onto a new chart 26/10/13

 

Position: 37.10 S, 177.25 W

Course 215 T Speed 6 kts Wind NW 15 kts. Waves NW 1.5 m Cloud 100% Temp 18.8 C Baro 1017 falling Miles in last 24hrs 135 nm

We’re about 250 miles off the coast of New Zealand. I listened in on Auckland radio this morning and found pretty much the same sort of human behaviour there that you see everywhere else – there were several accounts of violence, a few car crashes, some teams won, some lost, and, if you rush down to your supermarket, you can get a good deal on a pressure washer.

It’s a time for me to celebrate my third time crossing of the great Pacific Ocean, twice single-handed. The first time in 1997 in Sannu II a 26 foot Haida was with MaryLou and the girls on board for the Pacific Islands part of the voyage, and again when I single-handed in 2007 in Kim Chow. I said “I” did it, but of course I did it with the loving support of MaryLou who, in her own right, is a great adventurer and the rock solid steady influence in my life that gives me focus and is with me all the way. I’m very thankful to have had these opportunities and consider myself a lucky man ; )

Once again these voyages, although great sailing experiences, are in fact all about the amazing people and the best of mankind that steps up to greet us along the way, including all of you who read these words. I want to thank you all for your kind support. I feel your encouragement every day. I’m honoured you find our voyage of interest.

We have sailed onto a new chart, one that shows the north and south islands of New Zealand and for a voyager, it is very exciting to set way points for navigation and estimate the distance and time it will take. These charts, although paper, are the visual transition that make the idea of sailing across the plate real, and gives it some substance. There’s some anticipation in play and the excitement grows with each plot on the chart. The really big challenge that faces me in this phase of my circumnavigating is entering the Great Southern Ocean and being pitted against its formidable reputation. I have sailed 12,500 nautical miles across the Southern Ocean from NZ and got to within 750 miles of Cape Horn on my previous attempt at SHNSWAC (single handed non-stop west about circumnavigation) so it is no stranger to me, nor is it familiar enough to take for granted. Far from it. 

 

I retrieved my fleece jacket from my locker this morning and will wear that constantly for the next 5 or 6 months, another consequence of sailing south in the southern hemisphere, it gets colder. I must go now and have my morning “Only Oats” which has been a staple food for me from day one and it’s a small highlight of many that make up the fabric of my day. I bring the water to a boil, drop in the oats, reduce the heat, stir for 3 minutes.  I mix in a sufficient amount of powdered milk, add some brown sugar and Voila, breakfast is ready. 

From MaryLou

“This past week I’ve been touched by the kindness and generosity of strangers who have connected me to Glenn in one way or another – by email to pass on a message of “All’s Well”, by relaying their ham radio signal so we could chat voice to voice for a few minutes, and for giving our daughter in New Zealand the opportunity to speak to Glenn on their ham radio in Tauranga. All without being asked to and just because “It’s what we do.” Thanks to Cliff in Balclutha, NZ, John in Tauranga, NZ, Cornel in Cordoba, Argentina, Mike in Canberra, Australia, Tom in Riverside, California, John and Catherine in Brisbane, Australia, and Don in Port Hardy, B.C. I’d also like to thank those who have taken the time to add your comments and questions on the blog. Thank you all.”  

Course 215 T Speed 6 kts Wind NW 15 kts. Waves NW 1.5 m Cloud 100% Temp 18.8 C Baro 1017 falling Miles in last 24hrs 135 nm