Last night we experimented flying the shoot at night with very shifty winds and then around 12:30 decided to go back to white sails. Ryan did very well steering with the shoot up since you have to rely on your instruments and for him that’s like gaming with his buddies. We sailed with very moderate breezes today 7-10 knots and super calm and flat waters which is nice. We know we will get more breeze over the weekend and predicted time of arrival for division B is July 31 give or take a day if the predictions hold true.
We caught our first fish today, an albacore which was very tasty both sushi style and BBQ style for lunch. Alex has fined tuned the fishing gear to make sure we catch one fish per day. We only catch what we can eat unlike 2008 Pac Cup where we caught 7 in one day. After lunch we decided we need to try and fix the tri color (navigation lights and the top of the mast) and discussed the possible candidates to be hoist 60 feet up the mast while under sail. Tyler was the perfect choice with lean body mass and light frame however after thinking about this knowing that Kelly’s absolute number one requirement is that both boys arrive safe and unhurt or my life would be forever changed. I had an epiphany… why don’t I go up the mast.
I was quickly hoisted up to the tippy top of the mast. This was the first time I’ve been up the mast under sail and in the middle of the ocean. It was breath taking and really an experience that was quit enjoyable for about the first 30 minutes. I quickly found out that after an hour of trying to solve the problem with equipment being hoisted up and down to me perched at the top and swaying with every swell of the ocean I started to feel queasy. It got to a point where I thought if I puke from way up here it’s unlikely that I will shower the boat and crew with the forward progress of the boat. My effluent should carry well behind the boat. It was quickly decided that I should come down and we will figure something else out which I heartily agreed.
Most of the day has been overcast and seemed a bit cooler. The water is getting bluer with streaks of turquoise. The fleet is moving along pretty well with the fast boats catching us and likewise we are closing in on the fleet ahead of us despite the lost day at the Farallones. Division B is very competitive and we are in the thick of it. Tike Blue has to give everyone time and so we need to figure out how to turn on the Tiki Turbo charger.
When Alex discovered we had bananas on board he strongly pleaded that we needed to rid the boat of the bananas. They are not good luck and so a discussion ensured. Finally the Captain performed an exorcism to ward off the evil dastardly banana spirits and we through the banana’s overboard. Alex is happy now.
Day bags- we have been jumping ahead on day bag provision to find toilet paper and more oranges. I guess the orange craving is all about preventing scurvy. Tonight we had lasagna that Teresa prepared (Mark’s better half), some home brewed Belgium pale beer (that Alex made) and garlic bread. The meal plan thanks to Kelly is hugely appreciated by ALL!
Well its getting dark and we are preparing for our night time sail strategy.
***For those of you who have sent us emails via the blog, we are receiving them. We will respond via the blog instead of sending reply emails to limit the amount of outgoing email traffic. Keep the emails coming!
Aloha for now. Gary and crew
2 comments:
Great epiphany bro!!!!! Well hope what ever it is you are trying to fix is not so necessary!!! Who needs lights way out there any way :>)
Great steering job Ryan, sounds like you are getting your game on. Hey Ty congratulations on being the furthest away from shore than you ever have been!! You guys are on your way and on a roll, .....next stop Hawaiian islands!!! Good thing to throw those bananas over board, I heard something like that about bananas and boats,.....just as long as they aren't now stuck on your keel causing drag haha Well smart move on the idea of only catching what you'll eat, sounds yummy BBQ, style not sure about the sashimi style eww Things are going well here, no new, news. I've been keeping Mom and Dad updated with all the Tiki B. news.. Bro hope you don't have to go back up the mask,..... at night just give'm a full moon ;>) Keep up the good work guys!!! hugs to you all Love ya Sis
Yummy! I bet the sushi was good. Glad the Lasagna was a hit and that you got rid of the bananas. Who is that devastatingly handsome man man holding up the fish? I get dibs on him when you arrive!
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