Saturday morning here and we have 10 -15 knots of wind from the SE with a very steep 1.5 -2 m chop. We’re beating into these waves and I’m very concerned about the rig so I have reduced sail to minimize the stress on the it. I don’t have the main up as it would be of little use with the shape I can get out of it at the moment. This is the worst point of sail for the condition of the rig. I am hoping the wind comes around to the South so I can ease off a little. On this course, we are coming in up the coast from Fremantle and will have to beat back down to get in.
I am hoping that in the next few days as we close the coast, the wind will back around and allow us a straight shot at the harbour entrance. I got the engine running but don’t have a lot of fuel, 15-20 gallons, which I want to save in order to get into the harbour. I am going to make some tea and oats and hold my breath. So close and yet so far. West Wind II is a tough boat and I know she is giving it 100%. The next four days will be very interesting to look back on.
Hi Glenn;
Yours has been a very exciting voyage to follow for an armchair sailor. The observations about conditions and descriptions of your universe as it unfolds around you have clearly stirred an attraction for the seafaring life and raised a longing to voyage under sail in many of your followers, me included. Intellectually “we” know there must have been extraordinary planning and personal effort as well as daily focus and meticulous execution to make your voyage appear so effortless. I have eagerly awaited your blog each day with fingers crossed that the rig continues to hold while your words transport me in spirit to WW II.
You are almost there and I can only imagine the range of thoughts you are having. The final destination will be what it is. The focus is the voyage – keeping you and West Wind safe. Carpe diem. Old friends, new friends and fresh experiences await you. I admire the goals you have set and what you have achieved. Above and beyond the average!
Best wishes to you for a continued safe journey into Freemantle. Thank you and MaryLou for sharing this wonderful adventure to date. I look forward to the continuation…..
John Taylor
Thank you for being part of the conversation John. ML
Hi Glenn, sorry I haven’t been at a computer to comment of late, but have been following your journey with bated breath and my best wishes and hopes are with you. You’re almost there- hang in, and I know you will make it in safe and sound. How exciting to be actually stopping somewhere! And meeting your ham radio friends… thinking of you!!! xx
Hi Glenn
Hope all goes safe and sound to shore! Jan 14 is my wife Hadar’s birthday also we hope the numerology is lucky for you! The beer is waiting @ the Bengal when you get home to Victoria B.C. of course! See you soon. Lorne
The 14th is my birthday too and knowing he’s safe and sound is the best present I’ve ever received. ML
Dear Glenn: You are almost at Fremantle – so I wanted to send you a heartfelt note. I have been reading about your adventures since the first week you set sail. It has been a great pleasure to receive your daily e-mails, and to follow your journey. Reading your log has, for me, been a highlight of each day. I wish you well with making landfall, and securing the needed repairs to West Wind II. Please continue to post your blog – we want to be with you in spirit for whatever comes next. From your writings it is quite obvious that you have been happy, content, and at one with the sea. Your extraordinary seamanship has made the voyage seem so simple – like almost anyone could do it. Who knows what many of your readers will do with their lives – having been so inspired by your efforts. Best wishes. Taylor
ThanksTaylor. It’s a gift to know that this journey has inspired others so thank you very much for sharing that. ML