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Here’s his latest post:.
Why am I here?
Day 26. Thursday 9th June.
I got through the night without any more proper knock-downs. But plenty seas growling down on me as if saying they like to and me thinking they will.
Once more, I had decided, and out goes the sea anchor. I had hatch and cabin-top airvalve shut most of the time, opening only to let in some oxygen as needed. A slight headache indicates when CO2 levels are rising.
Brilliant morning sunshine showed up white crests like snowtopped hills criss-crossing everywhere. Beautiful and terrifying.
Had a go at rowing from 9 am for a couple of hours, boat went faster, but it was more correcting course with one oar at a time and steering than rowing. Besides the oar-handle tends to slam down occasionally on the same, plastered abrations on my legs…
So it has been a nervous inside existence most day, only popping out to bail out the cockpit, maybe 5 or 6 times. And asking myself why on earth am I here and why am I doing this?
A telephone to Diana helped me get over these existential questions, as did a cup of tea and one of her snacks.
On the positive side: Great progress, soon halfway to my Grand Banks waypoint (1100 n.m. from start, total distance is about 2900 nm). And it is not cold. And good visibility.
Another positive, more private discovery: Found out how to (relatively) safely use the toilet bucket inside!
Wind has swung from W to NW, still F6-F7, confused, noisy, menacing 4-5 m seas. Overcast, rain showers. Less wind is promised tomorrow, just one more night…
And the sea anchor is still there as a safety back-up whenever necessary. |
