Blue Sail Saga at Sea
Worthy Sailing Mojo
Paul Worthington
Sat 2 Dec 2023 17:29
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14.47.66N: 43.12.90W
Day 14 on the waves and have we seen a few, ridden a
few, surfed a few and crashed into a few. Friday December 1st and early sounds
of carols from all nations but no one singing 'I saw three ships come sailing
in' as haven't seen any for days.
All started well, fair wind and fair sea, breakfast been
and gone and sandwich lunch too. Big Blue, our superb Trade Wind Sail was up but
sporting either a small hole on the starboard side or else seagull poo!
Unfortunately the former, much discussion in 2 languages, decision, take down
the sail and patch it pronto. Bear in mind that for all operations at sea, the
wind doesn't just stop and the sea doesn't suddenly go calm, so with 2 up front
and 2 aft, down comes the sail (attempt 1) Where is the bl**dy hole, can you see
it MIchel, 'non'.
Back up went the sail with hole position scientifically
noted, then down again and first class job of patching carried out and all's
well send it back up again and, under captains orders, Gin and Tonics all round
with beef flavoured crisps...yummy, job well done.
What's for dinner boys? Oh great its another Boeuf
Bourgignon a la Colin. Went down a treat until rose nearly drained and talk was
of a pudding and cheese ...WTF... there was a sudden loud bang and we spotted
the bottom of the blue sail floating free of the deck where it was supposed to
be firmly anchored to a swivel plate!!! Fortunately we still had daylight and
immediately the crew went to action stations, slewed the boat to windward and
stuffed the lowering sail into the forward hold. More sweat and hearts a
thumping but job well done again.
Alas the blue sail will now retire from the rally and
leave the final week to Main and Jib. Phew. Forecast
is for more wind as we near St Lucia, so those 2 sails will be our favoured
pairing.
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