Already very rough here with wind,waves and rain from SW.
Wind turned at 2 am, I was not out until 6.30 in fresh breeze and drizzle to shift and tie oars to the stanchions, pack away last things on deck , secure liferaft (centrally place just in front of cockpit, knife next to it) and put out SA.
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——— editor’s note: SA refers to the Sea Anchor, which is used to stabilize directional navigation when adrift, as well as holding his boat back a little during wave heaving and jerks…it’s like a small tent (10′-15′ under water) which is hanging on to a float with about 20-40′ line. From the float to the vessel is another tow line which is 50′- 200′ long. Problem with the SA use for Stein is always during nighttime use, if a ship should get close to him and not knowing that he has his SA dragging behind, they could get their prop entangled and accident could occur. (courtesy BPC resident Stanley Fine)
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Nice breakfast with a hard-boiled egg in addition to the usual. Got the dreaded bucket business done as it was getting rough. Only a bucket and a half 5 liter water container in cockpit, both separately tied to liferaft strap. The little floor board I’ll probably jam in beside the liferaft.
Diana just writes advice on daggerboard, that it may prevent the free swing laterally and should probably be up. When I study the movement and effect of wind/wave I think that’s correct. But I need a lull to get it up and tied down. If and when. This may last 48 hrs with the worst tomorrow morning… Probably do it with no clothes on as it is very wet out there now, but not cold.
Things inside well organized, I think, for knock downs or even the dreaded roll. Straps across and along. I have a 13 mm spanner ready for tightening the roof ventilator as the handle sometimes slips, so I added two 13 mm locking nuts just above it. Timing and remaining alert will be the main challenge regarding air in but no water. Slept well last night, at least.
The most important small items are in a water-proof, sturdy plastic tube with screw lid, but iPad and pc not, of course. They are in plastic, inside a zipped bag when not in use. It is “water resistant”.
Interesting situation this. A real test of boat and person, I suppose, but right now I’d rather be at home and watching the opening of the Olympics in Rio.
Good luck to Olaf Tufte & Co. I am still wearing your underwear, Olaf!
Diana, Hedda & Johan: thanks all for mails and safe journey back to Norway!
Wishing all you friends and followers a nice, quiet week-end!
From Stein in “Fox II”, at 50 43 N, 26 27 W, 770 nm to Hugh Town.