West Wind II with New Zealand in sight
Position: 05. 05 N, 151. 43 W @3:00 UTC
It’s very hot here today and I’m trying to hide from the sun. The wind lightened up a little so I’ve been up on deck to take a reef out of both the jib and main. I’m back below now absolutely soaked with sweat. Time is dragging a little. The nights are long.
I’m having a food bar and a beer for lunch today – too hot to cook an egg or an omelette. I think the rigging is a little lose and when the time is right, I’ll tune it up. I had to do the same thing on Kim Chow last time.
I was looking at the charts and checking my log book for speed over distance. The best case scenario is that I could be within sat phone reach by the end of the second week of October, but more likely the third week. I am a little further west than I would like, all because of where the ITCZ was located. I’m now through the ITCZs.
‘Working the lines’ Photo was taken on a calm day in Victoria with West Wind II tied up alongside.
I’ve been on deck again and while I was looking up at the main sail, I noticed one of the tapes that holds the sail to the mast car was hanging off!!! The only solution was to drop the main right away and sew it back together. I dropped the main and tied off the sail. I went below, got my needle, thread, and palm and then back up to try and pull it back together so it could be restitched. Fortunately, the tape was reusable so it turned out to be a simple sewing job. Trying to thread the needle with one hand and stop the horse from throwing me off was the hard part, sewing with the other hand turned to be easy. At least the guy with the fire hose didn’t get wind of it or we would have had a different ball game all together. The main is up and we (Harrison Ford and I) are back on the railway track. YAHOO!
This morning we were at lat 05 54 N, only 354 miles north of the equator. Today is also an anniversary of sorts, four weeks, our first month at sea. Our distance covered is 3625 nm so an average 144 nm per day. I feel very good about that.
Heading: 177 True Boat Speed: 6 knots Wind:E 10 – 15 knots Swell: E 1.5 m Bar: 1008 Cloud: 50 % Temp:30 C Miles last 24 hrs:150
Hi Glenn,
Still enjoying the daily reports. Loved seeing the photo of the cabin. Looks quite plush.
Doug
Well done, those are some great month end stats!
Hey Glenn, just so you know, the Rainsleys are looking in on you on a regular basis and wishing you well. Fair winds, Bro!
My question to you is “Why would you attempt to work on you splice pointing a sharp marlin spike at you leg?” You mentioned the boat is throwing you about. The picture made me cringe.
Hi Doug. I chose this photo of Glenn splicing a line to add some visual interest to the page and show him working with his hands. Rest assured he was sitting in the cockpit on West Wind II on a calm, beautiful summer day safely alongside the wharf.
Take care!
MaryLou
Hi, Glenn and Marylou – as you seem to have so many children following, I’d suggest you either remove the photo of you about to slip and put the marlin spike into your leg, or caption the photo appropriately. We don’t want you 300 miles from the equator in the middle of nowhere, with a serious injury.
Just like using a knife away from your body, rather than towards, children need to learn safety – but also the freedom to do a lot of fun things, keeping in mind their safety training.
Have a good crossing of the equator, and welcome to our side.
Ron, in Noosaville, Queensland
The photo was taken on a calm day, tied up alongside. No worries mate!
Happy Anniversary Glenn! Glad you were able to fix the mainsail. You sure have been making a good average daily distance. I am really pleasantly surprised. But then again, each day is 24 hours so steady does it! Penticton had a fierce wind and lightning storm at 11 am last night – the remnants of a tropical typhoon made it all the way to here. Be well, stay hydrated my friend. The rest will fall into place we are sure.
Always look forward to your posts Glen. In the last post dated Sept. 30, 2013 you posted a photo of yourself (I assume) repairing one of the aboard rigging lines, you have it positioned on your leg with a very pointed potentially dangerous tool. One slip and you are now seeking medical attention. Is there not a safer way of completing the repairing Job. Wishing you favorable wind and safe Harbour. Harvey
Regarding todays photo of you and the steel fid; you would not use your leg as the support when at sea would you! I assume the photo is a file shot.
Mike
you would be correct.
Hi Glenn,
Oh what a beautiful picture you paint. And you are a man of many talents. Who knew? And the company you keep is the best. Wishing you cool nights so you can sleep. Take care and as always we have our eye on you.
Pat and Fred